**THIS is a double post from the newbie forum, I just figured you guys might have more insights and might not check that forum regularly!**

Well, I'm Andrew, and I'm in the process of buying a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Currently I drive a 1995 Ford F-150 which I love dearly, but with the rising price of gas, I decided it was time to invest in a project car which could also act as my primary commuter. Here's the scoop on the one I'm looking at.

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse (base model)
1.8L I4
5 Speed Manual
Gray
184,000 miles
$1,200
Second owner

I went out and test drove it tonight, and I must say, it's severely underpowered, but I expected that from a car that came from the factory with 92 HP. The gas mileage numbers are reportedly pretty good, and overall the car drove fine. I did notice that when starting off in any gear (the moment that the engine begins to engage the transmission), there is a little bit of a clicking noise that sounds a bit troublesome. I checked the CV boots and they looked dry and undamaged, so I'm having the seller take the car in for a front end/power-train diagnostic before I fully commit to buying it. She apparently just had the clutch serviced and they said the transmission looked great, so I'm thinking there may be a problem elsewhere. The engine sounded pretty good, although it had a bit of a 'clicky' noise to it every once in a while and seemed to be a bit shaky at idle. As the owner of a 5.0L V8, I'm not sure what this little I4 is supposed to sound like, so it may be its usual sound, I just wanted to know what you guys thought.

One other interesting bit is that the engine is covered in a thin coat of oil. It appears to be originating from the valve cover (I'm sure the gasket is shot.) I'm assuming that's an easy fix, any thoughts or other possible sources?

Well, I look forward to hanging out, you guys seem to know what you're talking about. If you have any thoughts on my find let me know.

dont worry about the "clicky" noise from the head. I must say I have owned 2 of the 5spd 1.8 eclipses. Yeah your not going to get alot of power or anything like that, but what I will say is, that you will have a pretty dependable car. I enjoyed my 1.8's to be honest with you because I got to drive them more then wrench on them. Lots of information on the site to help you out. welcome

:00000732:

the clicking noise from the engine is just the lifters ticking. very common especially with that many miles. not a concern.

the 1.8L is an economy car, the power does suck but a guy in here is turboing his so we are waiting to see how that turns out. ((((HURRY UP JON!!! :grin: ))))

I don't know much about the engine and trans in this car so I'm not going to try and guess about the clicking in the drivetrain. Someone else can take that one

I would'nt pay that for a 1.8...Unless you really need it and its minty. Those things have only 20 more horse power than my modded single cylinder CR500 dirt bike. I only payed $860 for my DOHC 2.0 GS and its modded about as much as you can with a NT. Body kit and everything. I would look around a little more if i were you. :beer: (They make about 136hp stock. I would guess that with the mods that mine has its in the 140's. )

Glad to hear that the tapping in the engine is pretty common. When the little engine dies a bigger engine swap will be in the works.

Project92GS: I see what you're saying, but it seems like in my experience that $1200 for a clean, straight, decently running car in my area is a bargain. I looked at a 1993 MX-6 (the other car I was interested in) that required like 3 new body panels and it was $1300, which was a bargain. Turns out the odometer had been turned back...but anyway, fuel efficient used cars are becoming harder to find around here because everyone is buying them up. I'll check the market a bit more in the next couple of days, but if I don't find anything promising, I may just try and talk the seller down on the price a bit. Damn thing needs a new windshield anyway :P

Lol i hear ya. Well as long as your happy with it thats all that matters really. Post some pics when you get her home. And you should probably check out the "did you just buy a talon or eclipse" thread. That info is good to know if your 100% new to DSM cars. Timing belt is something you really want to keep maintained and if you dont know how long its been ran its a good idea to change it. Anyway good luck with it man. :thumbsup:

Welcome!
Ten years ago, I bought a 94 base model just like the one you are looking at, with 79k miles on it, for a little over $1300. For a car like what you are looking at, at your price, I think it is a little steep. I think I would pay maybe $700 for it.
But, it was an EXCELLENT little car, fun to drive, yeah not fast, but awesome gas milage, and VERY dependable.
I would take it over a Mazda any day.

Well, there was a bit of a front end noise and it needs a new windshield so I may be able to get the price down, as I said. Just for kicks I looked at the market again to see what else was out there, and all I could find were more expensive ones with a ton of weird body damage or stupid mods. So we'll see what repair costs are like on the issues I mentioned, and then I'll try to get her to come down on the price about that much, and then I'll do the repairs myself and save a bit in labor.