1993 Eagle Talon TSi review from North America

First off I did no modifications on this car. And there were none when I purchased the car.

The car was lowered (about 2") and made it handle even better. However I would not advise lowering this particular vehicle. It was not slammed, I could have the front bumper over a common parking curb stop, but you had to be REALLY careful driving into parking areas and speed bumps. The exhaust scrapes on everything. Lowering also make the rear wheels camber, wearing out your rubber quicker. Don't bother, the car handles good enough stock.

The idle was surging between 900 rpm and 1500 rpm (only when engine was warm). This is a common problem with this vehicle. Very annoying. I just lived with it.

The timing belt needs to be changed at ridiculously short intervals (big bucks to do). I bought mine when it was just changed. If you don't change it your engine is toast. Most vehicles will not self destruct when their timing belts go, you just have to replace the belt and off you go (ie. Honda Civic). A good piece of mind.

The gas mileage was equivalent to a six cylinder vehicle. OK, but not great (21 mpg city). NOTE: You must put premium gas in this car, and with todays high gas prices, well, you do the math.

I had to replace the clutch (expensive compared to other vehicles), master and slave cylinders. It was the punk that owned the car before me. I never launched my car or abused it.

I had a five speed transmission. First to second gear was rough and grindy. Yet another common problem with this vehicle. Go to www.dsm.org to find out more about these cars. It is a very well put together web site and really helpful.

There were some oil leaks on the car (oil pump gasket and cam shaft seals). But it did not burn oil.

The power sun roof leaked and would not open all the way.

The power mirrors died.

The alternator and battery packed in.

All 4 CV boots on the front axles tore due to age.

The key-less entry power locks would occasionally malfunction.

The power locks would freeze in cold or frosty conditions. This made getting into your car even more enjoyable first thing in the morning on a cold winter day.

Frost on the inside of the glass?

The transfer case clunked sometimes when reversing (yes the seal was replaced by the recall).

The air-conditioning worked, but made the car work really hard and idle even worse.

The car hated the cold weather.

The car's interior was great for me, but not good for tall or larger people.

This car is everything you could possibly ask for in a performance car, all for a low initial buying price. Since this car was all wheel drive it handled like it was on rails. And was a pleasure to drive in the rain and snow.

The turbo was strong, but has noticeable turbo lag. Turbo kicked in at around 3500rpm (and only then).

The bottom line is that everytime I saved up money in the bank it went to my car. I just loved the car too much, it was way too much fun to drive. But enough was enough and I got rid of it, with no regrets what so ever.

Unless you are mechanically versed in these vehicles and have the time to search out the parts and repair these cars (because they need it) or you are rich (or have rich parents), do not buy this car.

Maybe the front wheel drive talons are good I don't know. But a co-worker of mine owns a 1996 AWD TSI and when I asked him if he had any troubles with the car, the expression on his face said it all. Oh yes, he had a whole lot of problems too. I guess they are good cars when new. But good luck finding a well kept second hand 5 speed.