ok, whats a common problem in first gens? What should I avoid? I want AWD cause it's going to be my beater/winter car. Stick is sorta a must too. I'm tired of playin with auto's

Any suggestions would help. I'm looking to spend less than 1500 bucks

Thanks guys/ladies

search search search! These have all been answered hundreds of times already. :)

$1500 is cheap for a reliable 1g. $1500 will get you a 1g AWD, but it most likely won't be too reliable.

ecu is a weak point. watch out for that. they're out there for under 1500. I got my 90 GSX with 80K on the motor for 1200 from a 60 yr old couple.

Evan B
97 GS
90 GSX
Stamford CT
EvMan2345@aol.com

The ECU isn't a weak point. The caps are less than 2 dollars shipped. Getting them replaced should be less than $20.

Originally posted by Jeff_99gs
The caps are less than 2 dollars shipped.

Damn! Where did you find those? Mine were like $2 and $7 for s/h.

I did search! I know the capacitors and the center diff are weak points. My post is more refering to things I should "feel" while driving the car. Is their a wierd stutter or anything when the Cap. is going out? How should the car feel during a test drive? I found someone desperate to sell

take it hard through first gear and a fast shift to second if it grinds you know the tranny has been abused, if its good then your goood. also listen to the rear end for ticking, hell the whole damn car should tick something fierce when it starts

90-91's have either ABS OR LSD, 92-94's have both(I believe). If it's an early one, check the door jamb, it will say if it's equipped with LSD. There were timing belt and transfer case recalls (and probably a bunch more), call Mitsu/Chrysler with the VIN and see if it's had the recalls done. I dunno what else. :shrug

TPS and ISC motors/sensors sometimes go bad causing bad idle surge and other stuttering/fluttering problems under load. Make sure none of these issues occur. A hig idle when cold is fine, but as long as the BISS is there you can adjust it for when its warm. Make sure it has a BISS, they can fall out.



Timing belt should have been changed around 60k miles and the trannies are like paper mache. Make sure there is no grinding going into 2nd and even 3rd.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Edie: 1500 will get you a fixer upper. If you want reliable right off someones driveway, you'll pay a bit more. Unless you are lucky. Best of luck.

Thanks everyone thats all I needed to know!:thumbsup