Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Question

how long will a Mitsubishi Eclipse last?

Answer 1

Since everything varies from car to car, driver to driver, the better question would be: Generally speaking, how reliable is a Mitsubishi Eclipse?

The Eclipse has become more reliable through each revision, much like most other make/models out there. The 1st gen (1990-1994) and 2nd gen (1995-1999) were not known for their reliability....at all. They were more known for their looks, performance and sportiness; especially the turbo (GS-T, GS Turbo, GSX) and AWD (GSX) versions. I own a 1995 Eclipse GS-T with 100,000 miles on it and it runs great, but just about everything else around the engine has fallen apart at one point or another. I won't list everything here but here's a start: O2 sensor went out (twice), thermostat went out, driver's door panel fell through (twice), hatchback's liftgate no longer stays up, stereo's equalizer lights went out, volume control sometimes doesn't work, hit "play" and sometimes it switches to FM instead (that button is just below the play button), perge slyinoyad valve needed to be replaced, etc. All in all, these Eclipses were great engineered cars but poorly built and assembled.

The 3rd gen (2000-2005) went away with turbos and AWD for a more conservative, simplier approach. No doubt this was too minimize maintainence issues, keep costs low and sell to a more braoder audience. The first year was a success -- with record sales and rave reviews for its build and less rattles as the previous generations. Unfortunately, sales plummeted therafter. Most folks say, Mitsubishi dropped the ball on this generation because it lost that fun-to-drive quotient of a light 4-cylinder engine coupled with a potent turbo and AWD. The fact was, the 6 clyinder was just as potent as the turbocharged 4 it replaced. But by then, the 4G63 engine found in the first 2 gens received cult status by many enthusiats for its durability and able to handle significant peformance mods without (literally) breaking under pressure.

The 4th and current gen Eclipse (2006-present) is the most powerful and fastest version yet. The top of the line GT model gets over 260bhp, whereas the ones before it had 190-210bhp. Unfortunately, it's also as porkly as ever, with a curb weight of nearly 3600lbs! That's more in line with a large-class vehicle (think Toyota Avalon) than what you would expect from a sporty car. Price, as you might expect, is also up. The jury is still out on how reliable this car is, since it's too new to tell. But my prediction is it will be just as good, if not better, than the 3rd gen.

Answer 2

The Eclipse is a fine automobile. I own two, both are Spyder and both will last a very long time because I tend to the fluids, respect the car and what it can do, keep it cleaner than the next guy and have pride in ownership.

The key here is the fluids. Change the oil every 2 to 3 thousand miles, that Eclipse will do you right for years and tens and tens of thousands of miles.

Answer 3

Since the GSX is AWD in theory it will hook up quicker and launch faster then the GS-T. That should equate to faster quarter mile times and quicker bursts through and out of the corners. The GS-T since it is only front wheel drive should get slightly better MPG since it has less friction in the drive system and is lighter (less drivetrain). The GSX is the more serious of the 2 if you were to build a racer but the GS-T can be a seriously FUN speedster on the street.

Answer 4

I think the Mitsubishi Eclipse will last alot longer than any other cars because in India people don't like them. Here in America we use them to race and make them our daily lifestyle so I think they will last 1 or 2 more centuries, cuz they can't get any more eclipse body shapes. The 07 Eclipse sucks the one that is coming out or came out already.

Answer 5

I had a friend who had a 92 that had 298,000 before the seals needed replaced, and then it lasted until about 350,000. If you race them though, you'll wear your motor out faster

Answer 6

I've heard they are good for a solid 200k if you take care of it properly and maintain your fluids

Answer 7

My '98 GSX lasted until I got a divorce.

Answer 8

Depends on the year. I think it is mainly the miles you should be worried about. I would say sell it right before 100k miles.

Answer 9

it can last years, and 200k miles, or it can last 5 minutes. depends on you.

Answer 10

my 1990 has 400,000 on it