SWMBO just sold her flaming pile of crap '92 Jetta and is looking for a new commuter. Normally I wouldn't consider one of these, but locally there is a CHERRY Eclipse GS 1.8. 197k miles, but a two-owner car that just had the timing belt & water pump done for the third time at 190k (with reciepts to prove it) along with a whole stack of other maintenance receipts. The thing is unbelievably clean for a 197k DSM in the rust belt and overall it seems like an excellent example of the lowly 1.8. I have spoken with the owner and he seems to know his stuff about the car, so I may go have a look.
Now, common DSM jokes aside, would one of these make a good commuter? Any big problem areas? What should I look for?
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/3124334913.html
Good economy, don't have enough power to break anything. Stone simple to work on, roomy engine bay (since it was made for a 2.0 turbo and AWD)
DSMs are extremely overbuilt cars. Surprisingly heavy, tough, and big-car-like in their construction. Some of the 1.8 parts are a bit harder to find used since most of them just get crushed instead of parted out, but all the parts should be available at your local auto parts store.
The 1.8s in 90 and 91 had a unique flat hood without the cam bulge, all the other years had the same body as the 2.0 cars. They are roomy for 2 people and a ton of stuff, but the back seats suck. All the turbo trim items bolt on, bigger brakes, ground effects, nicer seats, etc. The wheels on that car are hideous, but its standard 5x114.3 pattern and all 1G, 2G, and 3G DSM wheels fit, as do tons of aftermarket wheels.
The only places these cars rust is where the bumpers bolt to the fenders (front and rear) and where the door switches are in the door jams. On a white car, those places should be easy to see.
$1300 seems a fair price, can't get into much of a car for that sort of money.
Vigo
SuperDork
7/8/12 7:19 p.m.
Wow.. id buy that, and its not even remotely interesting. I say go for it!
