I've been working at a fire-log manufacturing plant for about 3 months now. The plant is located 25 miles one way from my house. Since my only driving vehicle is my '76 GMC with Buick 455, I've been spending roughly $80-$100 a WEEK in gas. That's $9.50 short of being half of my net pay for the week. One of my co-workers told me that he wants to sell his car so he can go down to Mexico. I asked about the car and any problems it had/has. He told me the engine is all new (pistons, rings, bearings, valvetrain, etc.) and has about 1,000 miles on it. He also tells me the clutch and brakes are new. And that the interior is like new. The odometer reads 190,000 miles. I ask how much he wants and he tells me "For you I'll drop it to $2500.", now I'm thinking this is a great deal for a car that's capable of very high-14 second 1/4 mile times and great fuel mileage (compared to my GMC's 10-14mpg). I take the car for a drive after work, and decide it's definately worth the money. So I tell him that I'll take it. We work it up so that I will drive the car home sometime in the next two weeks; He is having the interior, exterior, engine bay detailed, and the brakes re-done (the shop didn't turn the rotors). The car... A 1990 Eagle Talon TSi AWD. This thing has AMAZING traction, and is very quick. I have heard that the "DSM's" are fast from the dealer, and I noticed this car has a "DSM" tag under-hood on the firewall. I have no idea what that means, but I guess I'll find out sooner or later. I see the car as 'almost' taking me over to the darkside as it's based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform (or is it other way around?), yet is an American auto company. My Vega still needs another $1500 or so before I can legally drive it. At the rate I'm going, I'll have that in about, ooohh probably around 15 months. With my other bills (rent, insurance, gas to work and back) I have roughly $100 left over each month for the Vega. Anyway, I just felt the urge to post about what's going on with me and my cars lately. Charlie Anybody interested in buying a 1976 GMC Sprint SP (1 of approximately 632 made), with Buick 455? BTW, does anybody have any experience with these cars? Pro's and Con's? Or even a message board I can join for help when needed.
I can't help ya with the EAgle, as I've never had one, except to say that I have had a 90 CelicaGT with manual trans for a few years now, and I love the car. Real easy maintenece, like they always say, and cheap on gas, and can be a blast to drive. Little sports cars are just different, and I don't think anyone has to make excuses for liking em. Anyone who loves cars and driving them would enjoy my car on one of it's best days-anyone. (I guess except those who are just too tall!) I mean can you blast down a hill into a turn in very many Buicks without &#%?!!-in your pants? THose of us who are relatively what ya might call normal? :grin: uzzled: Christopher
I can help you out a little with that. DSM=Diamond Star Motors. It was joint venture of chrysler (who wanted to make quick little japanese cars but didn't want to actually spend the money developing them)+mitsubishi. Talons shared the same platform with Eclipses of the same years (as my summit did with the colt and another car I can't quite remember at this moment). Is it a turbo car?
There should be a ton of DSM websites. What is it they say about DSM's? Turning regular people into mechanics since..." There's lots of cars that get decent gas mileage for less than $2500. That's a lot of money for a car that old that probably was ragged on. I just got a '83 Datsun 280zx turbo for $1500. I make a 30 mile drive to work 4 days a week (so I'm commuting as well) and am getting close to 25mpg. Had a '91 CRX HF that got over 40mpg with the A/C running. Can be had for around $1500 if you can find one. (HF is geared for gas mileage, with a 1.5L engine, and very light) Even my '88 MX-6 GT (turbo) got 25mpg, and can be found for a little over $1000 in good shape. Honestly I'd save up for a fun car, not make it my only car. It may be fast, but what good does that do you when you've got the cruise set at 60?
http://www.dsmtalk.com/ is a site alot of posters on www.camaroz8.com talk about whenever DSM type cars come up in topic. supposedly a very good source of info for your car. good luck with it.
i can tell u that transmissions will be very expensive to repair . i believe that u cannot but parts & pieces for the tranny , but would have to locate a used one . my advice is to stay miles away from it , donot buy . also , it is amost 15 model years old !
Back in 1990..... I almost bought one new back in 1990. I bought a Beretta GTZ instead and lived to regret it. It was fast and cool but what a POS. I've sworn off EVER considering another GM. Looking back I should have bought the Talon - would have cost more but I bet it would have been more reliable. Still a great looking ride, great handler, great speed. :TU:
I know a few people that own them, they seem to like em. If you like it go for it. Quite a few guys on here drive puddle jumpers as daily drivers, good on gas and you don't have to ruin your good car by driving in winter(let those steenking japanese cars take that abuse). Hope it works out for ya :beer. Patrick
The talon is a turbo car. Here is a link to what the car looks like: Click Here. Underhood it looks as stock as the day it left the factory. The only way I would end up with the Talon is if I sell my GMC. So I've been going back and forth over what each needs, and the pro's and con's of driving each daily. Overall the Talon keeps kicking the GMC's ass. The Talon handles better, stops better, is a lot more comfortable to drive, and accellerates with comparability to the GMC. Charles
Sell the truck (to someone on this board). Buy the talon (or use it if you already have it) but keep the love for buicks. :TU:
The problem with selling the GMC, and then putting the money into the Vega, is that I will then have no transportation to work. Which is the reason for buying the talon. I guess I could find some real cheap car to drive. But then I have no idea of how long the car will be reliable, if at all. The Talon has a rebuilt engine, new turbo, new clutch, new brakes, and new tires. I have seen receipts for all of this. I'm not thinking about keeping the GMC and slowly putting the money into the Vega. Maybe a second job is what I need... Charles
