1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse from North America - Comments

Comments: 1-15, 16-18

17th Apr 2001, 19:44

"A fun car if you want to pay"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

When I got this car, the next week the turning lights were causing the car to shut off. I had to replace the alternator (it went bad because of an oil leak through the cam). A few weeks later, the car slipped into 2nd when I was trying to go into 4th (a very well known problem with this car). The timing belt slipped and blew the head and also bent all of the valves. $900.00.

Then, recently, the starter went out. It was only $50. Right before I bought it, the car had to have the main computer replaced for $700. It also has an oil leak in the oil pan, oil switch, and oil plug. And, the engine mount is bad. Also, the syncronizer is going bad.

General comments?

The car runs well when it works, which is hardly ever. I have heard that the car has either very many problems, or absolutely none. So, if I were to buy one, I would get a history. And, remember, don't forget to change the timing belt at exactly 60,000 miles. If it is past, ask the previous owner. The head WILL blow. Also, the air compressors go out.

If you are planning on having more than one other person in the car, forget it. Absolutely minimal room in the back.


21st Jan 2002, 02:45

Well, all I gotta say is that I have 110,000 miles and never changed the timing belt, and now my timing belt is broke? (probably), and I'm sure its gonna co$t A lot!! But other than that I haven't any problems at all. If it counts, I really am GLAD I bought this car, and it has only brought me many smiles, and till now, hasn't had any problems. This is one car I am proud to own!

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28th Feb 2002, 16:05

I have a 93 GS Turbo. I bought it with 93,000 miles on it, not smart! By the time I got to 107,000 I had changed the timing belt, battery, and had constant oil pressure problems, it is now in my driveway with a siezed engine and turbo due to an oil leak.

When it was working it was the best car I've ever driven, of course it's not the best car out, but it easily competes with Mustangs, Camaros, and will flat out smoke any modern V6's in production now. I believe I will buy a new engine and turbo for 3,000.00 including labor, I think it will be worth it and I'm going to take care of it this time around!!

Dan Rodriguez

Buffalo, NY.

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4th Jul 2002, 06:57

If you miss a shift, the engine blowing it your own fault. You overreved the motor, so you cannot fault the timing belt. Can everyone join me in saying "DUHHHH!"

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14th Aug 2002, 22:16

Please don't insult the poor guy. This car really does have a genuine problem, if it's a manual transmission. I've heard of several cars slipping out of gear, for instance, out of reverse.

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30th Oct 2002, 15:18

Indeed. I bought the 94 version and it slips out of reverse constantly. Most of the time I have to hold the shifter in the reverse position. Although this does happen I have never had such a problem as slipping into 2nd when I'm trying to goto fourth.

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28th Nov 2002, 23:15

I own a '94 GS, and I love it. I bought it with fewer than 100k and its still running great! Its performance is outstanding, and its performance parts are cheap and easy to install. If you want a dependable car that is fun to drive, hop in an eclipse and take it to the road!

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2nd Mar 2003, 13:32

I have the 94 GS and I love it so much. Even though I have had many problems with it such as the battery, starter, oil leak, engine mounts, front seals, and a coolant leak. Besides all of that it really is a nice car. I have repaired most of the faults of it and now it's a styling car.

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29th Apr 2003, 11:55

When I first purchased my mitsubishi eclipse I feel in love.

I bought the car from a race shop and every major component had been cared for.

Rebuily Transmission

NGK WIRES

Double platinum plugs

New pcv value

New rotor

Cat muffler racing suspension dropped as low as possible.

The car rides so low I cannot even see under it.

I knew the car needed some work though. There where three major problem, leaking antifreeze, damaged right axle and a dent near the driverside passenger door.

Once I drove the car I took on these problems and decided to purchase the car. This mechanic messed up my car by setting the timing incorrect. The timing belt was brand new.

By setting the timing wrong the belts slipped and car would not start. He tried to force the car to start and I believe blew the head gasket. Reading your article has made me realize this. On top of all of that, tried to tell me it is going to be another 500 to replace the head gasket.

I brought the car to him with one problem and get it back with another. Reading your article today has made me realize this. I will demand he put the other half of my engine head back and replace the head gasket that he broke and tried to blame on me.

The weekend before I drove to Pennsylvania and was having overheating problem. As soon as the cars temperature gauge started to move I would turn the car off put it into nuetral and pull over. When I pulled over I would let the car cool off fill the antifreeze up and then continue driving. Never did I have a problem with the timing belt or head gasket the car was running fine.

I just want to thank you for making me aware of this and am going to get my car back together today.

Yquddus@pawmut.com.

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26th Jun 2003, 23:08

I've had my 98 GS Eclipse for about seven months now. At first, everything seemed fine and I had a great time with the car. Slowly, but surely the problems began. The car shudders like you can't believe after even one firm stop. I attempted to have the problem fixed once, but it looks like I'm going to have to revisit the shop. The worst of my problems is the head gasket, which is currently leaking oil pretty severely. The dash electrical acts up occasionally and I'm pretty sure I could use a realignment, (jumping that curb probably didn't help the matter...). Problems aside, I still love my car and plan on going for a turbo as soon as I can afford it!!

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5th Aug 2003, 14:16

I have recently bought a 94 eclipse. the day I bought it the altenator belt broke. I took it back to the dealer they said they fixed it. 3 days later it broke again. they have recently just put another one on. And for the last week it has stayed on. but everytime I start the car it makes an un bareable screaching sound. so its on its way back. I love the car it drives awesome when it drives. But I think in the long run is going to cost me thousands to keep running.

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20th Nov 2003, 20:53

I had bought a 95 Eclipse just around three to four days ago and I have had problems with it constantly like the alternator died the day I bought it, the moon roof was died, starter had problems, the blow off valve broke, and I don't even know hoe to take care of my turbo; So I guess even though it's bad, I still love.

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1st Jan 2004, 23:15

Well, I bought a 94 eclipse with 164,000 miles on it. I figured it would be a nice starter car. As of now I have 189,000 miles on it and it has never given me any problems. The man I bought it from is a mechanic and he replaced the timing belts and other little things. The only things I have had to do is buy another battery because I had a flat tire and left the hazard lights on. I have a very small oil leak, but that is because the oil cap won't tighten very tight and it seeps through the top. I figured this out so I degreased the engine and noticed it about a month later. Other than that I love my car with all my heart and I think it is worth what I bought it for. I bought this car for 1,800 dollars and the paint and everything on it looks very good.

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16th Jan 2004, 09:32

I found this..

Trouble Spots lists the many commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Trouble Spots.

Brake noise: Noise-suppression shims were released to cure a squeaking problem with rear disc brakes. (1990-91)

Exhaust system: Cars with turbo engines had an emissions recall to replace the oxygen sensor with one that could endure higher temperatures. (1991-92)

Oil pump: Cars with the 2.0-liter engine have noisy oil pumps, and a counter measure pump (with helical cut gears) is available and quieter. (1990-92)

Poor transmission shift: Manual transmissions in which the shifter does not move smoothly between gears need a bottle of friction modifier added to the oil through the speedometer gear opening. (1990-92)

Steering problems: Cars that drift or pull to the right may be cured by replacing the lower control arm with one having rear bushing with a built-in offset. (1994)

Transaxle leak: Transaxle end clutch oil seal could leak leading to a loss of overdrive (fourth gear). (1994)

Vehicle shake: Drivetrain vibrations may be eliminated by replacing the transmission mounting brackets. (1990-94)

Vehicle shake: Vibration at idle is probably due to the upper radiator mounting posts not being centered in the mounting brackets. (1990-94)

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21st Jun 2004, 03:26

I purchased a 1994 model with a 1.8 L. It was spotless and seems to look like the former owner kept up pretty well. racing stripes, wing, and other mods were added to this car. After I bought it I failed to notice that the rear right passenger side caliper was seized and was not repairable. This cost total 106.00 dollars for one caliper!!

Luckily it was easy to repair. I also did all the brakes. These cost only 10.00 a pair. After struggling with bolts I realized that it only takes one bolt to slide the calipers and replace the brake pads. But watch out. Those bleeder screws will break on you. After trying to bleed the other caliper it broke.

I paid 3000.00 for this car with 83.0000 miles on it. This car seems to make people want to race and I still drive it like a grand papa.

I made sure if I paid that much that the engine trans and all were looked over well. Constant monitoring fluids and other items will help remain it a great running car.

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10th Oct 2004, 11:52

I have a mitsubishi lancer and needed a new water pump and a steering rack plus it had the washers around the master cylinder of the clutch were wornout or so the mecanic sad so he fixed these problems, but the car came out with a bigger problem, it is making a noise like a truck and before I use to take it up to 130kph, but now I'm lucky to see 80kph,, i suspected the timing is off, but I'm no mecanic so what could it be and do I have the right to get it fixed without having to pay again as the problem came out as he fixed it, I am from malta and would be thankful for any comments. snake.

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