Clutch, tie rods, and the slave cylinder all needed to be replaced when I bought the car.
CV boots and axles went bad at 104,000 miles.
Repair costs will outweigh the cost of the car over time.
Master cylinder failed 200 miles later after clutch was replaced.
Tires and alignment have been an issue with this car since I bought it.
Idle speed control motor has failed, which will not allow you to drive the car with the AC on.
Head gasket failed at 105,211 miles.
Parts are way too expensive and cheaply made. It cost me $135 for a valve cover.
The main point I have to make is that I did not do my research before I bought this car, and it was abused.
My previous car was a 130,000 mile 1986 S10 Blazer 4x4 with the 2.8, which was a dog to say the least. So, buying the talon was a big change to me, since I never had style or speed with the blazer.
I fell in love with this car the moment I saw it. I didn't even bother to open the hood, or check to see what needed to be done. I was just a stupid kid who wanted something that looked cool, had a 5 speed, and had a price tag I could afford.
Despite all of its problems, I still love this car and can't seem to let it go.
Its crisp handling, comfortable interior, and the 5 speed manual bring a smile to my face every time I drive it.
It is very easy to work on this car, and anyone can easily do jobs such as replacing the head gasket.
It still is a quick car for only having the 1.8 liter engine, but it cannot begin to compare to the 2.0 turbo model.
If you want speed and neck-snapping performance, go with the 2.0 turbo, but if you want reliability look somewhere else.
If you want some performance and great fuel economy, this is a great car to start with. Reliability can go both ways, but most 1.8 models last to 200,000 miles.
Yeah I own a 94 dsm and I love it. My ownly complaint is that there isn't that much performance for them. I have read a lot of the reviews and it seems that people have a lot of problems with these cars. I haven't really had much problems other than brake pads and my idle speed motor needs replaced along with my right halfshaft. And if I keep driving it like it is than the clutch. But I work at a auto parts store so it's all good. But a cheap mod is just a k&n filter, removed silencer and airbox. I noticed a big improvement. If you do exhuast don't go any larger than 2.25 because these cars do need back pressure. I ran it without a muffler and it ran like junk and sounded like a honda. But honestly if you want a real fast car this is not it. 92hp and 2900 pounds is not a real great combination. As for reliability issues I haven't really seen any problems with the cars. But like every car there are exceptions. Like mine was owned by a mech and driven by his wife max 5 miles a day. Oh one thing is once these cars get over 100k they usually tend to get a valve knock.
Yea I am thinking of buying a 1994 talon DL. but it has 152,000 miles on it. and I don't know how the other owner treated it. its selling for around 2,500 and they might go lower on it. but since it has those high mile I'm worried about the clutch going out or something else that really expensive. because I really can't afford that right now. I just need a car to get me around without too much trouble. and one that looks pretty cool too.
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