1991 Eagle 2000 GTX 2.0L SOHC from North America
Summary:
The 1991 Eagle GTX-2000 is a fantastic, very reliable car when it is looked after properly
Faults:
Vehicle receives regular maintenance; (oil change every 5,000km for example).
Shocks were replaced (2010).
Grease boots - replaced (2008).
Fuel pump and filter in tank; replaced (2010).
Engine temperature sensor replaced (2010).
Timing belt changed for a second time in 2009.
Radiator was replaced (2009).
Engine was rebuilt (top down - tappets; seals - replaced; rings were cleaned chemically - PSI back to normal in all cylinders (145psi... up from 130psi); runs very well now). Like new (2010).
Overdrive works; Power button works; Fuel economy with 89 octane is 480 - 500 Km per 54 liters highway and town driving mixed. Long haul highway Km are around 580-600km per tank. As good as many newer vehicles of similar design and weight.
One fuel injector was replaced (2005).
Computer was replaced due to mechanic doing pin test wrong in 2004; burned barrel capacitor (idiot).
Timing belt changed (2005) at the 150,000 km mark.
Driver's seat belt needs some repair - worn.
Paint is chipped with small micro-scratches that I regularly repair with touch up (no visible rust anywhere).
Back bumper was replaced after a small bumper collision in 1998 just after I bought the car.
Brakes and some brake components replaced, front and rear, 4 times in 13 years.
General Comments:
This 1991 Eagle-GTX, FWD vehicle with a SOHC has served my wife and I very well over the last 13 years here in BC, Canada, and it continues to do the same.
I have kept the maintenance up on the vehicle, partly through repair shops, my own efforts, and efforts of friends over the years who do mechanical work. This has allowed me to keep the labor on repair costs way down.
2009 was the year when the most repairs had to be done all at once (radiator, hoses, oil cover seal, timing belt, and alternator). Normally, repairs are done routinely over years during our ownership.
This vehicles handles very well on all roads, and is excellent in snow and ice conditions, often surpassing much newer vehicles of similar design and price range, compared to today's vehicle market.
As a used vehicle, and being an orphan (only a few of these were made) it is sometimes difficult to find parts, but there is a secret to finding them. You need to compare engine specs (Mitsubishi) with Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and compare to Talon, Mitsubishi vehicles of the same year (Gallant), and use the Internet to find parts and photos. Some parts resellers don't match the part numbers properly, or the salespeople are clueless.
Since I am an engineer... I suppose some of my ability to find parts may not be as easy for others.
I recommend this vehicle as a used vehicle to purchase, if you know how to find parts, and if the vehicle is not worn into the ground; rusted out etc... Just common sense.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th January, 2011
16th Jan 2011, 09:38
I bought a 91 Eagle GTX AWD in Nanaimo two years ago. For 500 dollars, it sounded too good to be true, and sure enough, problems were abundant.
The radiator has tiny holes in it at the top area; there must be a vacuum leak in the intake manifold, because the motor lopes from 2000 to 3000 rpm in neutral, warmed up or not, then sometimes it works fine.
The trunk lock has the key in it. Poor choice for metal for the keys, as they twist off, plus the trunk handle under the seat rusted so bad it broke off, and the brake rotors are rusted pretty bad.
I have to install a driver's side front CD joint.
I need to find vacuum line from the throttle body to the thermostat, since the car sat for so long it doesn't want to start.
It's a keeper, problems or not. I can't forget pulling into the deeper snow in the oncoming lane (two feet of snow) to pass stuck four wheel drive trucks while going up a long hill, unbelievable car, Evo X prototype, way cheaper.
Parts are out there, if not CNC them if you truly love your Eagle.