I'm looking at buying a 2001-2005 Eclipse convertible 4 cyl 5sp. I'm looking to find out if anyone has info. on different problems or realiablity issues. I'm looking for a economical fun car to drive not worried about performance just good cheap fun drivability. I've heard there was an issue with valve seats but can't find out if it's the 6 or 4 cyl or both or just an old problem that's been fixed.

 

Here's a good link to get you started. http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...-eclipse-2.htm

I would also caution against buying the Kalapana Black version. (Mitsubish color code x13) I've read in several threads and I know from my own experience that there is an issue with the clear coat pealing off after a few years. Heartbreaking actually... it's going to cost me a lot to get this fixed on my '01.

Also, as odd as it sounds be sure and take a good deep wiff near the passanger and driver side doors in the area where the window recesses. There's a known issue with the sealant they used for joing the plastic waterproofing inside the door. It will cause a musty/mildewy odor if it wasn't repaired. (Warranty on those repairs was authorized by Mitsubishi but the warranty expired after 35K miles) Yet another heartache of mine.

Hope this helps.

 

just to clarify, the clear coat peals off most of the paint. i have the titanium color, and it started comming off around 50 k miles

 

thats because you didnt take proper care of it. I have owed 3 of these car and my sis has one NONE of which have paint issues. My sis car has 94k on it and its an 02, my cars one was a 00 I sold it with 108k on it, the next was an 02 spyder I traded with 45k on it and the current daily driver I have has 87k on it and it is an 01.

None of them even have the smallest paint issue.

 

As far as this paint issue goes, Mitsubishi has accepted that there was a flaw in the early black 3g's, and were offering free paint jobs.

Other than that, they are really solid cars.

 

exactly. I belive early black and green but im talking first batch of the 00's there were not to many

 

my clear coat started to peal off around 40k, i bought the car around 30 k and since ive had it i taken care of it. i think part of it is that it is always out side.

 

has nothing to do with being outside. I is just how the paint was cared for. my current 3G has 87k and it sits outside all day and night. same with my 2000 that had 108k on it. and my 02 was out in the FL sun for 15k miles all day long and inside at nights. no clear coat issues at all.

I also wax my cars on a regular basis I mean way more than average but still. Im sure that is where your clear failed weather it was your fault or the old owner