hello fellow mitsuers.. if that's even a word. my 97 eclipse just turned 200,000 miles just recently. I had one major breakdown in 2001 but had a really good mechanic who fixed the problem.. needed to get a new radiator. I pretty much have taken care of this car.. regular oil changes, had the timing belt changed once. I've never had to change the clutch. The car sounds like it's in good running condition. It still has the original engine. But from a longevity standpoint, I'm wondering how long I should keep it for? I've never really hear of mitsus lasting that long. I'd like to keep it as long as possible but want to unload it before it starts getting problems one after another. Can anybody share w/ me their experiences w/ their mitsus for a car w/ this much miles or more pls?

thx in advance..

 

That is a ton of miles! I would suggest just driving it until it quits because even if you can sell it at this point you aren't going to get much for it. That is my opinion.

 

Yeah drive it till it blows.

 

thx guys.. makes sense.. even when i drive it til it dies.. the money i make donating it to charity (not really money but i guess a tax write off) is not that much difference than actually selling it.. but trying to sell the car when it's dead would probably be extremely difficult.. hehe.

 

I have to kind of disagree on this one. I use to have another Eclipse Spyder GST that had 250,000 miles on it and it still ran strong. I think it is all about how to maintain it and take care of it. If you donate the care you will only gt maybe $500 - $1000, the body style you have (same as mine) is very popular. If it is in good body condition, you can get a few thousand for it. I would say sell ... there are lots of kids out there that would love to have it, even if it does become a project.

 

I am looking at a 1999 Eclipse Spider with 250,000 miles for $1900. Just wondering the average life of one of these but cant seem to find it anywhere. Its been taken care of but needs a wheel baring. Any opinions would be great!

 

average life is less than the mileage that is on that car...not to say that car isnt good, im just stating fact that most of these cars are not maintained enough to reach that mileage, and if they have they would have probably been decently maintained

 

Drive it until it's done!!! i got a 97 spyder it's got 117,000 miles it's runs good as **** i take care of it. im never parting ways with my car

 

I have a '94 "base" with over 340,000 and it has taken some cash to
keep it running. I have a great, and HONEST mechanic and most of the miles are freeway.
200,000 miles was a point on mine where the upkeep started costing more but, to date, it has cost less than a new(er) one when considering interest and insurance along with the payment.
( there is upkeep on any vehicle )
My thoughts are...IF...IF you have an honest mechanic.....go for the "long haul".
Finally, when I had my baby paid off in '01, I set aside that monthly payment and have used that savings to pay cash for the parts and repairs, while renting a car for the day or two my '94 was in the shop....using that same mechanic all these years.
He KNOWS that car!!!!!!!

r18ad