SigAlphAdam

Okay, okay...all RICE jokes aside...I've got a serious question. My lil sis is looking towards getting her first car. She's looking at a nice little "girly" import, either a Mitsubishi Eclipse or a Hyundai Tiburon...used, 3-5 years old.

After a few days of trying to convince her to buy a 944 or at least something German like a Jetta, I gave up and agreed to help her out.

Does anyone know of any problems/years on these two cars? I don't know too much about Japanese cars and I don't want to see her get screwed over.

Thanks

Tabor

1st: Don't get a Tiburon, the doors literally FALL OFF in low speed collisions.

2nd: The 1989-1994 (1st generation) Eclipse' have the most sturdy engines and transmissions of any years. However, they have some rear hub/spindle problems. However, the rear hub problems are easily fixed by bolting parts from a later car on. This is a lot easier than bolting an older engine and tranny into a newer car.

3rd: I am no expert on these cars, but I was looking into getting an eclipse so I know a little.

User 462021

tiburon is worth like 2 dollars


buy jap or german

streckfu's

Keep working the VW angle. Much cheaper to buy and maintain. They handle pretty well too. I wouldn't trust either car she's considering to survive an accident.

pete944

How many old Hyundai's do you see on the road.
None?
There's your answer.

Perry 951

I had a '93 Talon... the things to watch out for:

1- Like your 944, you need to be religious on the timing belt tensioning and replacement.
2- If it is an AWD model, make sure the transfer case seals have been changed to the updated parts under warantee. If not, chances are it has leaked in the past and most likely overheated.
3- 2nd gear syncros are not too strong. If it is too notchy, it's probably on the way out
4- CV Joints get beat to hell on the AWD cars
5- I had a few issues with switches breaking or shorting out. Depending on what one goes, that could be bad news!

If they are taken care of, they are great cars. If abused, they fall apart.

Jason_86_951

GRMS latest issue has a good write-up on the DSM cars, maybe someone could scan it for you.
HTH
Jason

xsboost90

HEY , girly what? I have a 99 gs eclipse and despite its lack of room to haul drywall and bricks, i like it very much. The 420a motor(na) is very strong and from its ability to accept hi amounts of boost stock,aftermarket is great for these motors, id say its built halfway decent. Im planning on trading mine in only because i need a truck, but ill tell ya what, i havent had any problems. And it hops hill really well...ask me ill tell ya.

Kierf - ¿§?

If she is considering an Eclipse or Tiburon and just wants some 'girly' import...how about a Prelude? Depending on which year, it is quick and sporty, available with an auto or manual transmission. It is the most reliable of all mentioned so far, parts are cheap if something were to break...best of all, it's a Honda. Used or not, it's gonna last her a long time.

Dlefko

no tiburon. 2nd gen eclipse is sexy

Dlefko

btw, how old is your sister?

streckfu's

dave120

My sister had a '96 Eclipse...I hated to work on it. Doing the timing belt was a PITA. Pretty reliable for the most part though. But as far as maintenance goes, parts for that thing were actually more expensive than ones for my S2, so whoever says parts are cheap for Japanese imports is lying Maybe they're cheaper for Hondas.

DO NOT get a Hyundai...Those are the worst built cars I've ever seen/had experience with.

ERAU-944

get a prelude, i've got some experience with one, as my ex girlfriend has one, and its a good car, over 100k and its runnin like a champ. as with any car, buy the best example you can find, and if you keep up with the maint and treat it right i'll be a good car.

-Michael-

brrt50cal

You will be a good car wont you Mike?