Clutch went out at 55,000 miles.
Seats are not wearing good.
Rear inside hatch trim rattles bad.
Windows leak when washing.
Doors rattle.
This car is truly worth the time and money that I have spent on it. No matter what I throw at it, it takes it.
The 420A engine is a much better platform to modify than a gs-t. The engine is very stout and can handle moderate boost without building the bottom end.
With the right parts this car is V8 killer and total street sleeper.
With all my modifications the car has never left me on the side of the road.
The seats are a little hard to get in and out of, but that might be because the car in lower than stock.
It will seat two good, but the back seats are very cramped and a nightmare to sit in.
For a small car you can get a lot inside of it, especially when the back seat is folded down.
Dollar for dollar this car is worth every penny. And with a small investment it will get you looks. Just be ready cause you will get challenged at the stop light more times than not.
How can you say the the 420A is a better platform! The 4g63 is a bulletproof engine and is a much better choice for modifications. I owned a 420A and yes it is pretty stout for a n/a, but definitely not a better choice for a racer. I mean it's a Chrylser engine. It's a neon with an eclipse shell. There a lot of things you can add to a 420A, but the 4G63 is way faster out of the box. Not to mention the reliability of domestic engines. You probably can't find anyone with a 420A that has not had a problem by 100k. The 4G63 is the real eclipse. If it doesn't say GS-T or GSX its not an eclipse.
How can you say that? An Eclipse is an Eclipse no matter the trim.
An eclipse is an eclipse, some people do buy them just for looks and don't expect performance. On the other hand, I wouldn't call an eclipse that isn't a GS-T or GSX a sports car either. The RS and GS are just not much power wise. Though I personally wasn't very happy with the smoothness of the shifting in any of the models, going from first to second was really clunky, and I know a few people who say that at higher mileage second to third isn't exactly easy either.
I own an eclipse rs, it has 136k miles and still no problems what so ever, just he shifter cables went out, but they got replaced, It has been modified and for a n/a 4 banger, its pretty good, so far I have msd ignition and wires, aem v2 intake, stainless steel high flow headers, high flow cat and aexhaust and Id say its pretty quick, I love my car and rs, gs, gs-t, gs-x, they are all eclipse, read the model it says eclipse xx, I hate dealing with turbos, I had a supra turbo 89, and I hate turbos, so Ima stay safe and go all motor on turbos...
I was actually incredibly unhappy with my eclipse RS. I would say about every 2 months I had to repair something whether it was the radiator, new battery, alternator, timing belt, fuel pump, etc.. the parts are not cheap and for me, not being able to start my car, or having my power steering go out on top of a mountain pass just does not justify having a cute fast car. Looks aside, if any of those people looked at my checkbook they would be horrified! I have traded the beast in due to the fact that it was going to require new brakes, clutch, tires, and fuel pump which was more money than I could justify putting into the car. I would never buy another eclipse and am happy to be out of the deal!
About the RS & GS models, I am an ASE Certified parts tech. As far as a Eclipse being an Eclipse I must say is a bit Shaddy. For one, the Mitsubishi 1996c Engine is the same exact engine used in 2.0L 94-99 Dodge Avengers, Chrysler Sebrings, & Eagle Talons. SAME EXACT ENGINE. If you look up parts for these 2.0L's they are all exactly the same. Performance wise, the only difference is the wieght, but regardless the same. And like all cars, you run the possibility of getting a lemon, I personally have one and have never had any real problems with it, it has been upgraded to a point that is ridiculous for what I paid for the car. By the way, these cars can hang and take a beating.
I have an eclipse rs and it was my brothers and he beat the crap out of it, but I just got a new engine, same 420 a and it had a whole bunch of mud in it so they ran fluid through it and when starting it it cranked right up now I must say this engine I have in it now is very fast and reliable. and I only had to get a new battery and that was because it was on concrete and it drained the battery.
I have a 97 eclipse RS and I was very happy w/it. It ran good for a whole year except one little squeaky noise. I thought it was the brakes so I took it in;nope the brakes were just fine. The engine light was on so I took it to the dealership; they reset the light and said the car was fine, but it came right back on. And yes I did have to replace the battery and such on it as well. So one day after having this car drive fine it just stopped on me and wouldn't start. When it did the engine was knocking and now its sitting in my driveway not able to move. I'm considering fixing the engine, but it is a lot of money; any advice any1 can give me?
I have owned a 1996 rs for over 2 years. I bought it with 102,000 and it has 162,000 miles now. I did not have any repairs to pay for in that amount of time. This last month I had to replace a water pump that I purchased for $40.00 and $50.00 to my mechanic. I know its not powerful, but with some mods and 180hp, it is quick stop light to stop light. Which makes it a fun car to drive. This is the best car I have had and plan to keep it.
I am only 15 and have an RS. I got it about 2 years ago because I have loved cars since I was a kid and saved up for one locally. The engine did not run and being 13 money was tight so I worked and made money for my parts. Now it is running like a champ with a remanufactured short block, Heddman 4-2-1 header, and a machined cylinder head. I am planning on putting more upgrades into it to give it a little more horse power, but at this point all I can do is window shop and wish. This is a great car. I have my permit now and get anyone with a license to come with me so I can drive it. Great car, I love it.
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