Thoughts on '08/'09 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6?

[VK56VD]

I've never been a really big fan of Mitsubishi other than their old 3000GT VR-4, Galant VR-4 and Eclipse GSX/GS-T models as in my opinion they were all ahead of their time in deisgn performance and modification availability.

Today, I saw a brand new '08 Eclipse GT V6 with the 3.8L engine running for $18k. Last year I drove the car when it first came out and it was pretty torquey with the 3.8L and the manual combo. It did have severe torque steer though.

What do you guys think of the new V6 Eclipse for $18k? Seems like an okay deal for a pretty quick car and a decent design. I'm not in the market at all and would probably never consider one for myself but wanted to get a thread started on the topic.

So what do you guys know about them? Reliability? What do you think of the 100k mile powertrain warranty?

 

[SLCraig]

Ya know, it's just me, but I'd probably go with something like a used 350Z instead... RWD, VQ35, likely going to be less problematic outside of warranty. The only catch is youd likely have to get one a few years older to get one at the same price as that Eclipse.

Anyway that's just my .02. Ive known people that have had Mitsus and they end up being quite expensive to own.

 

[StevieC]

Mitsubishi knows their stuff and I would buy any of their products without hesitation for many trouble free miles... Now that I have said that do you like the car esthetically? if so then the only choice is to purchase it IMO.

 

[VK56VD]

The only reason I would not buy a 350Z or Infiniti G35 with a manual is due to the notchy feel of the manual transmission. If the transmission felt the same as a Honda manual, I'd be all over one. Hopefully the 370Z and G37 have improved, smoother shifting transmissions. As funny as it sounds, I'd prefer an automatic transmission in the 350Z and G35 due to the lackluster engagement of the manual. Then again, a 350Z is much more a performance machine overall than the Eclipse.

 

[VK56VD]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
Now that I have said that do you like the car esthetically? if so then the only choice is to purchase it IMO.



I'm not in the market right now but was just curious what people think of this decent performing automobile for $18k. I know Mitsubishi in the past had sketchy reliability while older ones (80's m.y.) were very reliable, including the Dodge Colt, a re-badged econo box Mitsubishi.

Besides, after owning a '03 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE V6 with a 5 -speed manual transmission, I would probably never go back to a vehicle equipped with manual transmission and torquey engine that is attached to a FWD layout. These types of designs produce way too much torque steer and are better suited to an automatic with traction control and other nanny electronics that cut down on this. Perhaps if some of these had LSD manual transmissions, the torque steer would be reduced such as in the case of some Nissan Maxima's.

For vehicles equipped with a manual transmission and a lot of torque, I'd now prefer them to have a AWD or RWD layout.

The only vehicle that I have driven and has had gobbs of power attached to a FWD layout and behaved, was a Mazda Speed 3. Then again, boost was set back to reduce torque steer in 1st gear.

 

[StevieC]

Yeah but no-one was perfect back then... A LOT has changed since then.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I loved my 3000GT. Best car I ever owned!

 

[VK56VD]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I loved my 3000GT. Best car I ever owned!


Why do you like it more than your current 300ZX? I assume you had the N/A 3000GT?

 

[d00df00d]

I always refer to the current Eclipse as the car that proved once and for all that looks aren't everything. It looks stunning, but it just isn't.

Unimpressive hp/L, unnecessarily high curb weight, open-diff FWD, and unimpressive dynamics. Not a winner in my book. You can do a LOT better for $18k.

 

[VK56VD]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
You can do a LOT better for $18k.


What would you say is better for $18k that's new?

 

[d00df00d]

If it absolutely had to be new and $18k, I'd take a base Subaru Impreza and deal with the tawdry looks. It's not as quick as the Eclipse, but it's more than enough for the street, it's very reliable, and it has AWD.

However, I wouldn't buy anything new for $18k. I'd look at a Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT, Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8, E36 M3, Civic Si, etc.

 

[StevieC]

Do you care more about performance, looks, or reliability? And if all 3 rank them in order of importance....

There's a lot out there in this price range... Subaru is a good car!

 

[ThirdeYe]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I loved my 3000GT. Best car I ever owned!


Don't let your Z read that

 

[VK56VD]

Subaru Impreza is a very good car but it's in a different category from the Eclipse GT.

If I had to rank from the order of importance I'd do 1) reliability, 2) performance, 3) looks.

 

[StevieC]

So it has to be Foreign, Foreign, and well Foreign!

What about a lower end model Lexus or Acura? They are sporty and reliable.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Except for an Evo, I would not purchase a Mitsubishi. Their quality seems mediocre. My aunt's 03 Galant just feels cheap, especially on the inside. The dash has cracked into several pieces. It's sad really because it has a nice exterior design. None of their cars seem to be innovative. And I think the Eclipse has grown too big. I really like the 2nd gen though. Just my opinion.

 

[StevieC]

Evo's are Sexy!

 

[peterdaniel]

Mitsubishi makes an excellent product. Just like ANY other maker, they have had their share of ups and downs and not every one of their cars and trucks have the same level of quality. I had a Ralliart ( lancer) and I still kick myself for selling it. Excellent car. Resale value? not... : (

 

[rationull]

I like the looks of the current Eclipse, but I don't think I'd buy one. If I were going for a higher performing car, realistically it'd be something with less power (Civic Si, GTI) or RWD.

EDIT: Oh yeah, and I really don't think I want a FWD car with a V engine.

 

[Silk]

Any pictures of this Eclipse? - the rest of the world may know it as something else.Down here I'm picking it to be a 380.