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Hi all.
In the days of insane gas prices, my wife and I are in the market for a cheaper, good on gas car to use as a DD in town. We're a Jeep 4wheeling couple, and our Dodge Ram (tow rig) seems to only get about 10mpg. So, we're looking at something to get at least twice that.
We came across a '93 Eagle talon DL (1.8L w/ automatic) at a local pawn shop, with a $599 tag on the windshield. The thing has seen better days. Mileage-wise, it has 145K on the clock. Outside, the nose has apparently kissed something before. The fiberglass has some blemishes, but is pretty much intact. The front few inches of hood has some small dents and rust. The windshield has a spiderweb on the passenger side (looks like a fist or something small made it). The entire body would need some polishing up. No wheel covers. The driver's mirror is busted (while parked there)
Now, the inside looks pretty good... would just need a good scrubbing. No stereo, but everything else looks to be in decent shape.
Now the mechanical side...
The pawn shop guy says someone had once put a down payment, but backed out. He said he would start it up for us, but the rear main had went, and the thing would spray oil on the ground if started. (There's 'kitty litter' under the car right now from the last time). Hence, the price drop to $400. But, he says other than that, the car ran great.
I've done some searching here, and since I'm a mechanic (USAF), the rear main seal job doesn't scare me (Even on a FWD car). Now, the decision. If they can verify that the car runs fine (fill it up with oil, and start it with a pan underneath to catch it on the other end) then for $400, we'd definately consider picking it up. Unless someone here thinks otherwise based on the year/model and engine of this particular DSM. Like I said, this vehicle would be bought to only act as a daily driver in town only. Not sure of the overall maintenance history of these cars, but we wouldn't want a money pit. I'd work my detailing magic and clean it up. Then of course a good tune up after the main seal job. Then, I'd want to just have to fill it up with gas a go. I'm good on preventive maintenance, and would go synthetic to help prolong the life. No plans to 'rice' it out, turn it into a show car or anything. Just need to know if this beater could make a good local commute ride. Of course, if it treated us good, we'd gradually add on nice things in the future.
Opinions/comments? Anything common problem-wise that I can check before buying? Thanks.
.
Hi all.
In the days of insane gas prices, my wife and I are in the market for a cheaper, good on gas car to use as a DD in town. We're a Jeep 4wheeling couple, and our Dodge Ram (tow rig) seems to only get about 10mpg. So, we're looking at something to get at least twice that.
We came across a '93 Eagle talon DL (1.8L w/ automatic) at a local pawn shop, with a $599 tag on the windshield. The thing has seen better days. Mileage-wise, it has 145K on the clock. Outside, the nose has apparently kissed something before. The fiberglass has some blemishes, but is pretty much intact. The front few inches of hood has some small dents and rust. The windshield has a spiderweb on the passenger side (looks like a fist or something small made it). The entire body would need some polishing up. No wheel covers. The driver's mirror is busted (while parked there)
Now, the inside looks pretty good... would just need a good scrubbing. No stereo, but everything else looks to be in decent shape.
Now the mechanical side...
The pawn shop guy says someone had once put a down payment, but backed out. He said he would start it up for us, but the rear main had went, and the thing would spray oil on the ground if started. (There's 'kitty litter' under the car right now from the last time). Hence, the price drop to $400. But, he says other than that, the car ran great.
I've done some searching here, and since I'm a mechanic (USAF), the rear main seal job doesn't scare me (Even on a FWD car). Now, the decision. If they can verify that the car runs fine (fill it up with oil, and start it with a pan underneath to catch it on the other end) then for $400, we'd definately consider picking it up. Unless someone here thinks otherwise based on the year/model and engine of this particular DSM. Like I said, this vehicle would be bought to only act as a daily driver in town only. Not sure of the overall maintenance history of these cars, but we wouldn't want a money pit. I'd work my detailing magic and clean it up. Then of course a good tune up after the main seal job. Then, I'd want to just have to fill it up with gas a go. I'm good on preventive maintenance, and would go synthetic to help prolong the life. No plans to 'rice' it out, turn it into a show car or anything. Just need to know if this beater could make a good local commute ride. Of course, if it treated us good, we'd gradually add on nice things in the future.
Opinions/comments? Anything common problem-wise that I can check before buying? Thanks.
.
