The only things the that have actually failed on the car not due to my own neglect or stupidity include a downstream 02 sensor, valve cover gasket leak (common on 2.0 non turbos), tube seal (spark plug well) gasket leak, and pcv valve these are the only 4 non regular maintanence problems I have had, I have maintained the brakes, rotors, oil, tranny fluid all, but this is not a failure. Due to my own stupidity I drove through a large puddle of water, my engine sucked it in due to modifications (i.e. cold air intake) and I bent a rod, which resolved in a new rod, new piston, all new piston rings, new head gasket, starter, batter, rod and main bearings all to get the car running again.
The car handles very well, I can out handle many cars that are faster than me and get a good edge on them on windy roads, I've outhandled an 2000 civic ex 5spd with a front strut bar on many occasions, as well as a 1989 chevy s10 to name a few, and no mustang or camaro stands a chance on a curve, they must slow down, only car I have ever drove/rode in that handled curves, and interstate on/off ramps better at high/accelerating speeds were the mazda protege/protege5/ford probe and the new 2000 up GT eclipses mainly because they are wider, lower, and longer so they have better aerodynamics.
Car is slow due to being an auto, I have front strut bar, ram air intake, denso iridium plugs, 7.5mm plug wires, 2.5 rear section exhaust with factory p205/55r16 eagle hp tires, and ran a 18.418 with my spare in, with a.165 r/t, but the manuals are a lot faster and I recommend them for speed stock with good driver ran a 16.725 so a big difference there.
The car gets A lot of attention, especially from opposite sex, id have to say its definatly a car to pick up women in, its got style on the outside factory, but with my upgrades its got even more, the interior is nice/luxorious as my car is fully loaded with all options, but is small and cramped and really only comftorable for 2 people, sound systems sound great in these cars as well if you are wondering about that.
Aftermarket graciously takes care of this car, I'm not too much into rice, so I'm not big on flashy taillights or strobes and neons, I stick more to performance, the car I own is the 10th anniversary edition, came with 16 oz f1 wheels, turbo spoiler (big round factory one, not small one), and fully loaded with all power options, plus silver e.l. orange dash gauges, so I'm covered there, only rice/or exterior mods I have added is tinted the windows, blue headlights, clear side markers, blue side marker bulbs, and that's all ill add to that.
I have only seen one other 10th ann. mitsubishi eclipse. you are a very lucky man to have found one. I am going to buy one I wish I could find one like yours. I envy you.
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