My step daughter (17) is looking for a car sometime around July. That’s when her probationary period ends (no tickets, grades stay up, basically continue doing what she’s been doing), and we kick in a third of what she has saved, along with a third from her dad, and she will do the remaining payments. She really wants an Eclipse, although a Cobalt or G5 is more realistic. However, we’re at least entertaining the idea and checking insurance, operating costs, etc. Anything to be aware of with the '07-'09 GS models (the 4 cylinder)? Known problems?
This needs to last her hopefully all the way through college, possibly 6 years of it. I think a Civic is a better choice, but we all know what it’s like driving a car you don’t actually like (although isn’t your first car supposed to be crappy and not liked?).
biggest thing with the 4cyl eclipse is the maintenance. have seen them hold up well. just check the service on timing belt. usually due around 80-100K just something to keep in mind.
cobalts and g5 are practical and realistic they hold up well.
civics are great cars to drive but seem to have lost its original intentions of being a econo shitbox. they seem to hold their value too well.
We already sat down and filled out a spreadsheet of typical maintenance costs. She was a little surprised by the cost of tires. And thinks that state taxes are “stupid”. :hahano: She’s right.
speaking of eclipses… anyone ever see a new gen orange eclipse, body kit, dual exhaust, pillar gauges? ive seen it around the west end/noblestown road… anything done to the engine? whoever owns it must be made of money
Get the cobalt, I have put mine through some shit and it’s still holding up great. I have the 2.4 liter with an aftermarket turbo installed. Ive seen used 2.4 SS’s go for 12k or less.
i own a '06 eclipse 4 banger with no problems whatsoever. 76k on the clicker so it is def. driven a lot. only maintence i have done is oil changes and tires, brakes. the timing belt isnt due until after 100k. oil changes are every 7500.
although running 17" tires can be pricey, you just have to look for deals. i run kuhmo’s that i get from king’s super tire that i got for $90 a piece.
talk her into getting a cobalt s/c or t/c. best bang for the buck and shell be getting respect no matter where shes at. ive got a damn near stock cobalt n/a for my daily driver and cant complain becuase it runs down hondas and has more torque than any 2.2liter i know of. deffinetly a good buy especially with all her financial aid.
wait til your kid turns 16…