1st Jun 2004, 10:15
Looks like I got a lemon. After all the problems that I stated in the original comment and the transmission going out, I just had $1,400 worth of engine work done on it. I only have 64,300 miles on it at this point and it's going back out on the lot for someone else. I'm buying a new car. For an automobile that I've never driven over 70 mph or over 4800 RPM, I can't understand how poorly it holds up.
1st Oct 2004, 06:31
I bought my 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder about three weeks ago and I love the style of it, always have. But I have had a few problems with it, unfortunately. I agree with everyone else who says that the top leaks like crazy, it's been soaked at least twice so far. To make matters worse, the previous owner did not take care of the car and the top is full of mold, causing a smell that is just absolutely horrible and actually chokes you as you are driving the car. I will give it the benefit of the doubt and say that on Sunday, it was the remnants of Jeanne that hit Jersey and that caused a substantial amount of leaking, let's just hope that this doesn't happen every time it rains.
People warned me that their engines blow at about 80k miles, my car has 63k so let's hope that this doesn't happen.
I have had problems with my top working, and was told that this is a problem with the spyders and Mitsubishi will not recall the problem. This is what I was told as best I can explain it: the elastic bands on the top that pull a bar back when retracting it stretch out. This stops pulling the bar back, stopping something in the mechanics from pivoting, bending the hinges in, which then sends a power surge to the motor, blowing out the control module. I have had this problem fixed once so far, but it will happen again. Mitsubishi made an elastic band kit that will fix the problem, but you have to purchase it at $300/hinge plus labor, doesn't seem like a fair deal to me.
5th Feb 2006, 17:36
I had a 97 spyder; however, the roof stopped working. For some reason the roof won't open or close whenever I push the button. Can anyone help me.
8th Feb 2006, 22:37
I have a 97 Eclipse Spyder with a 2.4L.. I bought it New and still have it. This car is so much fun to drive, but it did lack in power a little. So I found out that you CAN do eng. work to it, and it is easy to do. This year I took all the TURBO parts off of a Eclipse GS-T and put them on including the Head, they bolt right up. Now my 2.4L / 2.4L Turbo puts out 210hp at the Wheels and I really love it. So there is hope for all you Spyder lovers.
18th Feb 2006, 13:20
I agree a RWD "sports" car should NOT have rear drum brakes.
Doesn't the mustang also have rear drum brakes?
5th Apr 2006, 15:19
Bought my 97 Spyder in 2000. It hasn't had any major problems in the past, but now the top won't drop all the way down. It seems to be getting stuck right before it goes down all the way. I have surfed the web and see that this is a common problem. Can anyone give me some advice that won't cost me too much?...
17th Apr 2006, 12:12
I believe the 92 or 93 and up Ford Mustangs have all wheel disk brakes. With the option on Cobras and Saleens now is oversized calipers and drilled and sloteed rotors.
25th Jun 2006, 04:17
Bought a 2001 Spyder 3 months ago and these are the problems I've had so far:
Top leaks like crazy under heavy rain, even if it's for a short period of time, exactly where the weather stripes meet (yes, you can hold a towel against the rubber seal as you drive).
Doors hold water producing an unwelcome odor.
Top pins won't go all the way into the notches, so you'll have to manually drive the top to lock the latches.
Center speaker blown for no reason.
Paint chips off easily on the front bumper
Poor alloy rims bend easily, making it unsafe to drive (repaired twice).
Cats love to sleep/leave hair/sharpen their claws on the top.
Other than that, great car, good engine and transmission.. great looks.. would reccomend as a summer weekend car (unless it rains), and keep it garaged.
14th Jul 2006, 16:56
Just a question, is there anything that could be possibly done to increase performance out of an 1997 Eclipse GS Spyder? So far I haven't had any luck, I can't even find something as simple as an air intake system for this car. If anyone knows anything that could seriously help increase HP in this car, let me know.
17th Aug 2006, 12:24
The 2.0L 4g63 engine is not bulletproof at all. I have known several GS-T and GSX owners that have experienced crankwalk anywhere from 60,000-100,000 miles. 2.4 4g64 have NOT experienced major engine/transmission problems.
30th Oct 2006, 13:10
I bought a 1997 Spyder GS on August 2005. Almost since the day I bought it I have had nothing, but problems with it. But the previous owner of the car had it switched from an automatic to a manual, I didn't find this out till AFTER the engine BLEW! Which didn't take 3 weeks after I bought the car I might add. But even before the engine blew, I had electrical problems, and worst of all, the odometer and speedometer doesn't even work. My engine shakes real, real bad, I was told I need new motor mounts, that will fix the problem. But then you have all of the squeaking, everything rattles on this car. The top motors are blown, and the top didn't last long either. I just bought a new top for 500 bucks, and with the frame damage to the top, and everything else that needs repaired to the top, it will cost over 700 just to install it. Now the drums need replacing. I love this car, but the previous owner did not take care of it at all, and so far I have put in $5000 just on REPAIRS! Not even a single upgrade. I also have a Eclipse GS, that has nothing, but problems. Here is a tip to everyone who wants an eclipse, don't buy it unless you know the former owner and it was well taken care of, otherwise, they are a POS.
3rd Nov 2006, 10:52
I bought my 97 Eclipse Spyder GS about 5 months ago, I haven't really had any major problems with it. Right now it has 108,000 miles and its still ticking. The check engine light is on right now, but its only because I need to get my throttle body cleaned, and change my air filter/censors. It gives me a slight idle problem, but nothing major, I am only 21 and I Live in CA, I am your typical lead foot young driver, and this car has hung in there so far, it has been my best car by far. I love this car to death. I have bought many upgrades for it, but haven't found the time to install them (lazy)... My advice to all, if you're looking for a car to just drive, this is not the one, if you're looking for something you can make into a project, get the GS, if you want something to spank the tail of a mustang, the GS-T will get the job done, with a few minor modifications and adjustments. What it lacks in HP it makes up for in weight dist.
27th Mar 2004, 12:09
I bought my 97 gs spyder in 2000. The most noticeable problem is the leaking top. most non-fixed roof autos will leak. small price to pay for the style of the car. It is one of the best looking cars ever built. I have about 175,000 miles on mine and it runs like a champion. never had any interior problem.