How Much Is a Mitsubishi Eclipse? Price Guide

Between $2,000 and $25,000 – that’s how much a Mitsubishi Eclipse costs. The price swings so much because this car had a long life with many different versions, from cheap used coupes to rare collector sports cars.

People love this car for its style and sporty feel. It was made for over 20 years, from 1990 to 2012. Each generation changed the look and the price tag a lot.

If you want a fun daily driver, you can find one cheap. If you want a perfect, fast model from the best years, you will pay a lot more. Let’s break down what changes the cost.

What Changes How Much a Mitsubishi Eclipse Costs?

Many things change the final number. The year it was made is a big one. The first models from the 90s cost very little now.

The trim level matters even more. A base model with a small engine costs less. A top trim like the GS-T or GSX with turbo power costs much more.

Mileage and condition are huge factors. A high-mileage car that needs work is a budget buy. A low-mileage car in great shape demands a premium price.

Modifications can change the price too. Some mods, like engine work done well, might add value. Many mods, especially cheap ones, can hurt the value a lot.

Finally, location and seller type matter. Private sellers often have better deals. Dealerships will charge more but might offer financing.

First Generation (1990-1994) Eclipse Price

This is where it all started. These cars are now classic 90s sport coupes. You can find them for very low prices in some cases.

A running and driving base model from this era might cost $2,000 to $4,000. It won’t be perfect, but it will be a fun project car for not much money.

The turbocharged GS-T and all-wheel-drive GSX models are the ones to watch. They are much more sought after. A clean GSX can easily cost $8,000 to $15,000 now.

Condition is everything here. Many of these cars were driven hard or left to rust. A pristine, low-mileage example is a rare find and will cost a lot.

When you ask how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse from the 90s, the answer depends heavily on if it’s a turbo model. The price difference is night and day.

Second Generation (1995-1999) Eclipse Price

This generation is very popular. It has a curvy, iconic look that people still love. Prices have started to go up for the best examples.

A standard RS or GS model with high miles might be $3,000 to $5,000. These are often used as entry-level sporty cars for new drivers.

The GST and GSX turbo models again command higher prices. A decent GSX can range from $10,000 to over $20,000 for a truly great one. The all-wheel-drive system is a big draw.

The Spyder convertible version also affects the cost. Convertibles can sometimes cost less than coupes if the top is worn out. A well-kept Spyder might cost a bit more.

So, how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse from this era? For a clean turbo model, be ready to pay a good chunk of cash. It’s becoming a modern classic.

Third Generation (2000-2005) Eclipse Price

The design changed a lot here. It got bigger and heavier. This generation is often the most affordable on the used market right now.

You can find many of these for under $5,000. They are common and were made in big numbers. A GT model with the V6 engine will cost more than a 4-cylinder model.

The GTS was the top trim with more power. A lower-mileage GTS in good shape might be $6,000 to $9,000. It’s a lot of car for the money.

The Spyder is again an option. These can be a bargain if you want a convertible. Just check the roof mechanism works well.

If you want to know how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse for a cheap, reliable coupe, look at this generation. They offer good value for daily driving.

Fourth Generation (2006-2012) Eclipse Price

This was the last generation. It has a more modern, aggressive look. Prices are higher than the third generation but not as high as the second gen classics.

The base GS model starts around $4,000 to $7,000 for older years. The GT with the V6 is more desirable and costs more. Expect to pay $8,000 to $12,000 for a nice one.

The top-of-the-line GT-P or SE models have more features. A low-mileage 2012 model in perfect condition could reach $15,000 to $18,000 from a dealer.

The Spyder convertible holds its value fairly well. A late-model GT Spyder is a comfortable cruiser with some power.

When figuring out how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse from the 2000s, remember this was its final form. Well-kept examples are still out there for a fair price.

Cost of Owning a Mitsubishi Eclipse

The purchase price is just the start. You need to think about the cost to keep it on the road. This changes a lot by model and age.

Older Eclipses, especially turbo models, can need more repairs. Parts for the first and second generations are getting harder to find. This can make fixes cost more.

Insurance is another factor. According to Insurance Information Institute, sport coupes often cost more to insure. Your age and driving record will change this cost a lot.

Fuel costs matter too. The turbo models need premium fuel. The V6 models in later years are not known for great gas mileage. Think about your daily drive.

So, how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse to own per year? Budget extra for upkeep, especially if it’s an older performance model. It’s not just the sticker price.

Where to Buy a Mitsubishi Eclipse

You have a few main choices. Each one changes the price and buying experience. Your budget and comfort level will guide you.

Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist have many private sellers. This is where you find the best deals and the worst project cars. Always see the car in person.

Dealerships that sell used cars offer more security. They often do a basic check on the car. You will pay more for this peace of mind, and they might help with financing.

Specialty auction sites like Bring a Trailer are for collector cars. This is where pristine, low-mileage GSX models sell for big money. It’s not for a daily driver budget.

When you search to see how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse, check all these places. The same car can have very different prices in different markets.

Common Problems That Change the Price

Some issues are famous with these cars. Knowing them helps you spot a bad deal or a good one. It also helps you talk down the price.

Turbocharger failure is a big one on the GS-T and GSX. Replacing a turbo is not cheap. Listen for strange noises from the turbo area.

Automatic transmission issues were common in the third generation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has records of complaints. A manual transmission is often more reliable.

Rust is a killer for the older models. Check the wheel wells, rocker panels, and under the car. Rust repair is very expensive.

If you find a car with these problems, you can use it to lower the offer. Knowing how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse in good shape helps you see a bad deal.

Is a Mitsubishi Eclipse a Good Investment?

Most cars are not investments. They are things you use and enjoy. But some Eclipses are starting to break this rule.

The first generation GSX and second generation GSX in great condition are going up in value. They are icons of the 90s tuner scene. Buying a clean one now might pay off later.

Most other Eclipses will keep losing value slowly. They are fun cars to drive, not assets to grow your money. Buy one because you love it.

The U.S. Department of Energy rates cars for fuel economy. An Eclipse is not bought for saving gas money. It’s bought for smiles per gallon.

So before you ask how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse as an investment, ask if you like to drive it. The joy is the real return for most people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX?

A lot more than other models. A clean, low-mileage GSX can cost from $15,000 to over $25,000. It is the most wanted version because of its turbo and all-wheel-drive.

How much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse for a first car?

You can find a higher-mileage third or fourth generation for $4,000 to $6,000. But remember, insurance and repair costs might be high for a new driver. A non-turbo model is a better choice.

What is the cheapest Mitsubishi Eclipse?

The cheapest ones are usually high-mileage, non-turbo models from the early 2000s. You might find one for around $2,500, but it will likely need some work right away.

How much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?

The convertible usually costs a bit more than the coupe if it’s in good shape. Add about $1,000 to $3,000 to the price of a similar coupe. A worn-out top lowers the value.

Are Mitsubishi Eclipse cars expensive to fix?

It depends. Parts for common models are not too bad. But parts for the turbo and all-wheel-drive systems on older cars can be pricey and hard to find. Labor costs add up fast.

How much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse with low miles?

Low miles makes a big difference. Any generation with under 80,000 miles will cost a lot more than average. For a late-model GS or GT, this could mean $12,000 to $18,000.

Conclusion

So, how much is a Mitsubishi Eclipse? The answer has a huge range. It goes from a two-thousand-dollar project to a twenty-five-thousand-dollar collector piece.

The key is to know what you want. Do you want a fun beater or a show car? Your budget and goals decide the final price. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a good mechanic.

These cars offer a lot of style and driving fun for the money. Whether you spend a little or a lot, you get a piece of automotive history. Just go in with your eyes open about the total cost.