Might buy a DSM

[mitsu'97]

I was thinking about buying a Talon TSI AWD but the shop that i bring my cars to said not to becuase the AWD system and the timing belts are kinda unreliable and if the timing belt breaks then the engine is shot.

Has anyone had to deal with this stuff and if you do own one have you put alot of money into repairs?

[123abc]

1. I would recomend not using it as your only car.

2. A timing belt job should be one of the first things you do to it once you get the car, along with checking all the regular maintenance stuff

3. Hell yes get it!


What year?

[tpunx99GSX]

The timing belt usually doesnt break, it usually just skips teeth if not torqued correctly or is worn or loose. And usually when that happens you just bend some valves and need to get your head rebuilt or replaced.
The AWD transmission sometimes takes a shit on people, but thats just more of a reason to send it to Shep or some other shop to get a nice durable race build. The main thing you have to watch out for is crank walk. I usually like to tell people with 92.5 years and up to change their oil often around the 90,000 mark all the way up to the 120,000 mile mark, this way the oil squirters for the pistons and crank stay unclogged and will usually detur the crank walk. Magnus actually did a study on that and found that most likely the cause of crank walk is the oil squirters being clogged or loss of oil pressure.
I would definatly suggest getting the car, they are great cars, im on my third, some of the dsmstyle members are on over 7 of these cars.

[Kracka]

The AWD system is one of the strongest around, just make sure to take care of it and maintain like anything else.

If the timing belt snaps it will do some serious engine damage, it is an interference engine just like pretty much everything else being sold these days. Keep your timing belt replaced every 60k by a competent shop and you'll have nothing to worry about.

I have owned 5 or 6 DSM's now and not a single one has ever left me stranded, I also maintain my cars very well and take care of issues as they arrise.

Another good word of advice to you, don't go to just some shop down the street from you. Take a DSM to a shop that has experience working on and building these cars. Not only will you get better service and expertise, but generally the labor and parts are cheaper.

[tpunx99GSX]

Another good word of advice to you, don't go to just some shop down the street from you. Take a DSM to a shop that has experience working on and building these cars. Not only will you get better service and expertise, but generally the labor and parts are cheaper.

QFT. When i moved to cali i decided i wouldnt take my car to any shop, mainly because i had heard bad things about pretty much every shop in the area. At least in MN you guys have awesome DSM Shops that are dependable and have been around the scene enough.

[Scrmegl]

I completely agree with the above. Be willing to do the proper maintenance. I have had about 3 solid years of dependability with mine. Just make sure the one you buy is in good enough shape for the level you are willing to work on or invest into the car. Ask someone who knows these cars to look at it with you if you can. Good luck!

[scheides]

Keep up on maintenance and you will be rewarded with one of the funnest and fastest cars on the road for the price. Drop some cash and you will be laughing at vipers and 911 turbos in no time! :D

[Kracka]

DSM's are the best bang for your buck if you're looking for a fast car!

[TkrPerformance]

buy it they are great cars to have. I own 4 right now. It is the best car for the money for a awd turbo car

[mitsu'97]

Ok,
Thanks this helps out alot, the only thing that i am worried about is that the person who is selling it does not want me to bring it to the shop where i bring my cars but that may be because it is a 1/2 hour away.