Hey all, I'm looking at a 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS with 108,000 miles. The dealers asking price is $4k. I got it checked out today and there's a few things wrong with it. The driver side ball joint may need replaced soon, the timing belt needs replaced, the rear wheel wells obviously had rust damage but were repaired as well as the muffler. The sunroof doesn't seem to leak but looks like the previous owner had used some sort of sealant to fix it at one point as it's visible. Engine bay obviously cleaned but looks sharp.

The car seems to drive fine, however, when I initially started it, it idled at around 1600 rpms and then when the AC kicked on it idled at around 2.5k. This worries me a little but after doing some research it seems it could be a number of things such as a AIC valve, vacuum leak, throttle position sensor (i read it happens right after you start your car which is my case). Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. I will also note that after driving it for a while the idle started to come down and go back towards normal.

Also, when I come to a complete stop while driving the car jolts, I have NO idea what is causing this but it's almost like it hiccups. I originally thought it was shifting down or something but I really don't know.

The dealer put brand new tires on the car just the other day.

They are willing to sell this car to me for $3,550 out the door (includes tax/plate/etc). This will include them replacing the timing belt and giving me a little 3 month warranty on engine/tranny with $100 deductable. Any advice in that area is appreciated as well as I'm not knowledgable at all with warranties. They will sell the car to me for $3,450 without the warranty.

Do you think this is a fair price? I kept trying to get it lower, but they literally wouldn't budge. Do you think the warranty is worth another $100?

Below are pictures (the only ones I have unfortunately), thanks a lot - I really appreciate any and all advice on this vehicle![/align][/align]

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[IMG]local://upfiles/18253/303DD9DF672243749FA1596B7CE17D9F.jpg[/IMG]

 

Racing stripes on a 420a..... Sad.. I remember i was stupid once and was gonna do that. As far as the jolting it could be your IAC your TPS or your MAP. 109k...
Dude i wouldnt give him more than 2k for the vehicle.
I bought mine with only 74k on it for only 2k

 

hes referring to the type of engine you have.... the faster engine turbo charged and usually more equipped version (the GST) can be bought by that price, it would be a good price if the car was mint.... but however... due to the problems you just mentioned... i wouldnt really jump for it

 

Thanks for the replies guys, yeah I don't care for the stripes either. Was just really excited that I found an eclipse without 200k miles on it in my area =p. So you both think it's a definite no go? He for sure won't drop it under 3 out the door, soIguessI'll keep on looking!

 

Dude check your local craigslist, theres always dsm's on there

 

yea seems alittle high priced to me as well with some of the things you mentioned. Maybe a pristine condition one would be worth that, but not that one