Topic: Looking To Replace My Car Within The Next Few. . . (Read 77 times)

jesterrace777 · « **on:** April 18, 2005, 04:02:00 AM »

. . . .months. I have pretty much narrowed it down to the Mitsubishi Eclipse GST/GSX or the Eagle Talon TSI (same car). The car isn't my absolute first choice but after doing some research it seems to be the best answer for the following 3 factors: 1. Cost 2. Fuel Efficiency 3. Power and Performance. With Fuel Prices going through the roof in the next few months, I simply cannot keep up with the fuel on my RX-7 now that I am doing a 35 mile roundtrip to work on a daily basis. Right, now with that said, I am debating between the 1990-1994 models and the 1995-1999 models. I really like the looks of the 1995-1999 body style but I also understand that they can be complete mechanical nightmares. I know for sure that I will need to address the following issues with either generation: 1. Timing belt (if this sucker goes in a Eclipse/Talon, the motor is DONE!!!!) 2. Motor Mounts-Seem to fail at an abnormal rate and should definitely be looked into as soon as possible. 3. Burning Oil/Bad Seals-Racing Seals with pretty much be a must with a Mitsubishi Engine since the oil seals on Mitsubishi Engines suck. Is there anything else I need to be aware of?

Rylinkus · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2005, 02:54:00 PM »

The differentials are notoriously weak. And crankwalk would be somsething that concerned me as well. Frankly DSMs are way too high mantainance for me to ever consider owning one.

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2005, 12:58:00 AM »

Yeah, I know about all that. What in your mind then would be the best comprimise between fuel efficiency and HP? I'm looking for something that can get 18-20MPG in the city yet push 250-300HP. Does it exist?

yaazz · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2005, 10:58:00 AM »

IF you can find one, get an isuzu Impulse RS, with a lil money it easily surpasses 250hp and still gets 30+ mpg

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2005, 11:18:00 AM »

QUOTE(zella @ Apr 19 2005, 04:16 PM)

What's your budget? Are you going to modify to any great lengths?

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2005, 02:09:00 PM »

Okay after doing some looking, I think the 1990-1996 "Fairlady" 300ZX (non-turbo) is my best option. It pushes about 220HP and will get 20-22 MPG in the city and about 28MPG on the highway. That's more HP and a hell of alot better than my current N/A 2nd Generation RX-7, which gets about 14MPG in the city and about 19MPG on the highway. I'm sure that there are still some decent mods that I could do to the N/A 300ZX to boost the HP.

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 19, 2005, 04:01:00 PM »

Yeah, but I did the math on the 240 and after the conversion I wouldn't be much better off than an N/A 300ZX, but it would cost alot more. Anyways, I did consider the VW but I think it would be way out of my price range. I figure I could probably pick up an N/A 300ZX in excellent condition for $7-$8K.

Rylinkus · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2005, 08:58:00 PM »

If the 300ZX isn't a sweet looking car I don't know what is.

Why the hp numbers though? Frankly a less powerful car that's lighter would be just as quick. A 200hp Miata would be quick as all hell, and is reasonably easy to achieve. (Granted I know a Miata probably is far too small. It's just an example.)

Hell a stock PZEV ZX3 Focus should be able to outrun a 300ZX in a straight line.

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2005, 01:04:00 AM »

What would you suggest for a high power vehicle that is fairly fuel efficient then? (really good power to weight ratio) As much as I like the miata, I'm not big on convertables and there isn't room to do anything. After having my soundsystem in my RX-7, I really like the idea of a hatch. Subs in the trunk sound like ass unless you do a shitload of work. I know you are fond of the 323s and the Turbo Sprint but the truth is that they look like a pile of dog poop. I would go with the Isuzu Impulse RS but they are damn hard to find.

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2005, 11:48:00 AM »

This one looks to be in great shape:

http://www.autotrade...dist=300#vdptop

Rylinkus · « **Reply #10 on:** April 20, 2005, 07:06:00 PM »

You're talking 222 hp in a 3800 lb car. Thats 17.11 lbs/hp

Now look at something as simple as a 95 Mustang. 215 hp in a 3350 car. 15.58 lbs/hp.

The 300 ZX gets 18/24 mpg.
The Stang 17/25 mpg.

And the price tag is gonna be a lot cheaper. And you end up with one of the easier to mod engines that's ever been built with Fords 5.0. Hell for the same price that the Z you have listed is I got my truck AND Z28. (Actually less) And the Z28 is dynoing 287 @ the RWs. Maybe consider getting a "fun" car and then a commuter car.

Just thoughts and such. In the end it's obviously all about what you want. And the Fairlady is a nice looking ride. I'm just throwing options out there.

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 21, 2005, 02:01:00 AM »

No, I appreciate the options. I didn't know that you could even get that kind of MPG out of a V-8. That said, it would end up costing the same as I would have to deal with the lame-ass handling that Mustangs are cursed with. 1/4 mile times don't mean shit to me. I prefer a quick launch vehicle and something that can haul ass when getting on the freeway ramp.

I do like the '95 mustang body style though. *EDIT* as for the fun car and the commuter car idea, it wouldn't work. I barely have enough room for one car to park out in front of my house (I have 3 other roomies). In addition, once you factor in maintenence and insurance/registration costs on both vehicles it just wouldn't be practical at this point.

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 21, 2005, 11:33:00 AM »

OH, someone on Cardomain.com is selling his impulse (similar to the RS) project for $1300. The guy is in my area, which is a big +. How easy would it be for me to get it setup like the RS (ie turbo engine and AWD transmission)? He already has the RS hood, ect. Also are the parts rediculously expensive? Sorry about all of the questions but this car seems like it would be an excellent candidate for high HP and low weight.

http://www.cardomain...mberpage/546189

Rylinkus · « **Reply #13 on:** April 21, 2005, 03:30:00 PM »

I just wouldn't steer away from domestic V8s. The z28 Ill be picking up tomorrow if all goes well was 3800 with some extras he had lying around. Around town itll get lousy gas mileage, but Im sure the 6th gear will be brilliant on the HiWays. I can't say it will out handle a 300ZX, but last time I checked the NA 300 ZX is not as stellar at handling as the TT. So you may not want to get too convinced that the 300ZX will be a better handling car then a Mustang or Z28.

jesterrace777 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 21, 2005, 03:35:00 PM »

Hmm, didn't know that. All I know is that the Mustang sucks ass for corners. The suspension is very stiff and the ride is uncomfortable. I looked into the Z28 a bit but I would like some gas mileage and weight figures to go with it. BTW the 300ZX doesn't weight 3800 pounds. The heaviest was the 2+2 model which weighs in at about 3400 pounds. If I just get a regular 300ZX without the backseat it only weighs about 3300lbs.

Author Topic: Looking To Replace My Car Within The Next Few. . . (Read 77 times)