The center rod has to be pushed in when the convertible top is opened.
The car is a super fast car and the convertible is great on warm semi-cloudy days. I do not think you could enjoy this car much without a manual transmission.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st May, 2004
Capable Performer, if rough
Front Seal on Transmission (silent recall)
Aluminum Wheel bent on pothole, replaced.
Driver's Door Handle broke at 5 years.
I've had 5 flats! Mostly due to inactivity and the low profile tires can't deal with potholes. You must check pressure frequently because a Goodyear Eagle costs $150.
Rough idle. Might be the large four, but has been since day 1.
Punishing Ride. Plenty of performance cars have more comfort. The Fast and Furious Cop Car.
Very powerful car. Excellent traction in all weather with AWD.
Good mileage, 25 overall.
Stereo is very nice, almost aftermarket quality.
Seats are uncomfortably firm.
Very little headroom. I need to lean back. No rear seat really. Just a 2+2.
Love the hatch versatility, though the wing is distracting.
Great styling, better than the new ones.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th April, 2004
I would like to know your opinon in the topic of crankwalk. Also, if you can inform me about the reliability of this vehicle.
I had the sister car to a Mitsubishi Eclispe GSX, a 1996 Eagle Talon TSI AWD. It had the 2.0 turbo engine along with a 5 speed AWD transmission. However, the engine crank walked at 62,000 miles and was COMPLETELY stock. Crank walk plagues almost all of the 2.0 engines from 1993 to 1999, since they use a 7 bolt block with a malfunctioning crank angle position sensor. The problems with these engines can be related to the fact that they used "oilers" in this engine and the defective crank angle position sensors. You can tell you have crankwalk if your clutch pedal sticks to the floor when you are making a turn. Check out more info on dsmtuners.com, dsmtalk.com, or any other DSM forum.
My suggestion to anybody looking to buy a second gen TSI AWD or GSX, go out and buy one that has had the 6 bolt (1st gen engine made from 1990-1992) swap done to it. You will never have to worry about crank walk or endure the burden of spending thousands on a new engine.
Cars great!, I can beat V6 mustangs stock!
Power steering belt snapped at 72,500 miles.
Transmission blew at 72,000 miles.
Brakes squeak, due to water/dirt.
Car is excellent, though I'd rather have the turbo, this car has a lot of modifications you can due at a reasonably cheap price, such as
-Header-$160
-Lowering Springs-$140
-Cool air intake-$130
-Performance muffler-$150.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th March, 2004
An incredible looking, quick, and comfortable car
Gasket leak at 50,000 miles.
Windows rattle unless window is all the way up or all the way down.
Extremely quick for being a non-turbo RS model.
Very comfortable.
Runs great, has only been in the shop once.
16 gallon gas tank, gets about 23 miles to the gallon in city miles.
Great looking car, fun and easy to fix up.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th February, 2004
Fabulous!
The convertible top leaks, but it is my understanding that most soft tops leak over time.
The original brakes lasted for 95,000 miles.
The timing belt lasted for 100,000 miles.
I got 75,000 miles out of the original tires.
If you really know how to drive a stick-shift, you can get quite a performance out of the car, even though it is low on horsepower.
The car handles wonderfully in any weather, especially snow.
As a petite person, the car fits me perfectly and is very comfortable. All of the buttons are well within reach.
The car attracts a lot of attention, especially from guys. Quite a head-turner.
After nearly six years of ownership, numerous rides cross-country, and use for a traveling sales job, the car has only been in the shop twice (brakes and timing belt) and has only cost me about $1000 in maintenance over the years.
This was my first car, after years of using my parent's car, and it was the best investment I've made thus far. The car is dependable, peppy, and fun, especially in the summer when I can put the top down and cruise to the beach.
126,500 miles and going strong!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th January, 2004
28th May 2004, 19:16
Door handles seem to be a common weak point on these cars-- fortunately mine have held up so far.
One note: the engine on this car is a 2.0 turbo, not a 2.4.