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So, I'm looking for an economical, reliable, fun to drive and easy to look at vehicle. I could go with an early 90's Honda or Toyota with 150k+ miles-but those I find boring.
So far I've come across two that I am considering. A '96 Eclipse Gs convertible, manual, 123k miles for $2800 and a '96 Buick Riviera supercharged, 94k miles for $3000. I understand they are two completely different cars and it all depends on the condition and maintenance etc. I did not spend too much time inspecting or looking at the Carfax for neither of them (will do that tomorrow) but assuming they are both in good shape which of the two would be the better buy? I used to own a '99 eclipse and was very happy but don't know if there were any big changes made in those 3 years.
I have no idea about the Buick, but I did a little research and seems that the engine is pretty solid. Both cars seem to have good reviews. I do like the sportiness of the eclipse (and bodystyle) and the fact that is a manual=fun to drive, but I can't help to assume that the Buick was adult owned and a cleaner vehicle overall. If both cars are equally clean with clean history which one would you get for the money? I will probably end up buying tomorrow. I'll appreciate any advice/recommendations.
I would personally go with the the Buick. The 3800 Sevies II supercharged is a very reliable motor. It will return decent gas mileage on the high way and will be very quick. The only downside is the engine require premium fuel. If you do go with the bucik though, do not be tempted by upgrades to the motor. My brother did it in his regal GS and went though transmissions every year until he got rid of it. In stock form the car will be reliable and will last a long time.
Ask for the maintainance history for both cars and use that to make your final decision.
The Eclipse is just a rebadged Chrysler product, so that's a no go.
The Buick will be an electrical nightmare and you're lucky if that engine doesn't give you issue sooner than later. Odds are that blower has had enough and if premium wasn't used religiously, that engine is close behind. The 3800 may be reliable, but it's got its issues, too. I looked at some as projects a few years back. I only own two F150s, so you know where I stand.
Is the Eclipse a Spyder GS or GS-T? The GS-T had a Mitsubishi engine, while the GS had a Chrysler engine and lacks a turbocharger. If it isn't a GS-T, you'll probably be disappointed in the performance.
I had a '91 Talon (first-gen Eclipse sibling) that was a horrible lemon, but any car can have lemons and the second-gen Eclipses are supposedly more reliable.
Whoever said Eclipse is a Chrysler product... Yeahhh... Eclipse is a DSM product. Diamond Stars Motors Corp. At some point back in time, Mitsubishi was in serious kahutz with Chrysler/Dodge, and made some fantastic cars for them. Eg, Dodge Colt. Though DSM cars were never made in Japan, significant percentage of their componentry was supplied by Mitsubishi, resulting in some quite stunning vehicles.
With that being said, go for Eclipse hands down. Why? We had 2 Eclipses and Galant and Expo LRV. Outside of very minor issues, 94 Eclipse finally gave up somewhere around 280 000 miles, but then was fixed by the guy who bought it from us, as is, for $1600; LRV quit starting at 264 000 miles, and was go anywhere car, family favorite; Galant was "no issue" until it got wrecked by a guy who U-turned into it and took entire side off, at 187 000 miles; 96 Eclipse we had not so long ago, outside of taking oil, was start and go car for over 130 000 miles, until we sold her.
Our experience with them is - very reliable, good gas mileage, reasonably fun to drive. Eclipse, unless you go into turboed ones - and THEN you step into trouble - is no power horse, but looks sporty and gives fake sensation of fast car. BAD - they were ALL taking oil. Ill designed valve stem seals and spark plug seals. Every one of them with exactly same issue.
Btw, if you want a SERIOUSLY ars kicking car - guess what. Find a LeBaron four door sedan with Mitsubishi V6. Darn thing looks like a family car, and one I test drove was the fastest acceleration car I ever was in. Dead serious.
Btw, there is Ford Probe, which is rebadged Mazda. And Mazda 6. And Mazda 6 turbo was also one of the fastest I know. Except that I do not recommend any turboed car.
Is the Eclipse a Spyder GS or GS-T? The GS-T had a Mitsubishi engine, while the GS had a Chrysler engine and lacks a turbocharger. If it isn't a GS-T, you'll probably be disappointed in the performance.
I had a '91 Talon (first-gen Eclipse sibling) that was a horrible lemon, but any car can have lemons and the second-gen Eclipses are supposedly more reliable.
Actually, 94 Eclipse, or 1st gen one, was the one who almost hit 300 000 miles mark for us. I do not recall any major issues with it. Didn't like moisture, but that's about it.
I'm looking for an economical, reliable, fun to drive and easy to look at vehicle.
I could go with an early 90's Honda or Toyota with 150k+ miles-but those I find boring.
How do you assess a 20yo (or more!) anything as being economical or reliable?
Initially Diamond-Star Motors was a 50-50 joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi. However, in 1991 the Japanese company purchased its partner's equity stake, and thereafter the manufacture of Chrysler vehicles was on a contractual basis. Chrysler sold its equity stake to Mitsubishi in 1993, and Diamond-Star Motors was renamed to Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing America (MMMA) on July 1, 1995.[3] Despite the departure, the two companies have maintained various co-operative manufacturing agreements since.
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