There Goes The Sun: 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs 2008(?) Mitsubishi Eclipse

Good morning! On today’s Shitbox Showdown, we’re going to be looking at two versions of basically the same car: the final-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, in honor of the celestial event happening today. After all, what better way to view something happening in the sky than from a convertible?

But before we get to those, we should finish up with Friday’s malaise-era oddballs. That absolutely goofy Seville Opera Coupe spawned a lot of colorful comments, as I hoped it would, and lost big-time, as I assumed it would. As I’ve said before, however: this isn’t always about featuring good cars.

The drag-racing Dodge got a lot more respect, and votes, and it goes without saying that it would be my choice. I have no use for a drag-only car, however, so I would have to title and register it. Yeah, it has some history that might be “ruined” by driving it on the street, but it’s not like it’s Paul Rossi’s far more famous Dodge Challenger or something. It’s just an old personal luxury coupe that just so happens to be faster than snake-shit. And it deserves to be seen and appreciated.

Speaking of personal luxury coupes: Mitsubishi’s Eclipse kind of became one by the end of its run. Long after its movie-star days were behind it, the Eclipse got bigger, and heavier, and more focused on comfort than speed. But the same could be said for a lot of us as we get older, I suppose. The final generation Eclipse, especially the convertible, was definitely a cruiser, whether you chose the four-cylinder base model or the V6-powered GT. Today, we’re checking out one of each, each with its own issues, to see which one is a better drop-top value.

2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Spyder – $3,400

Engine/drivetrain: 3.8 liter overhead cam V6, five-speed automatic, FWD

Location: Daytona Beach, FL

Odometer reading: 179,000 miles

Operational status: Current daily driver

For the first two generations, the top-trim Mitsubishi Eclipse was a high-strung all-wheel-drive model with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That changed with the third generation, which lost the AWD and substituted Mitsubishi’s ubiquitous V6 engine for the turbo four. For this generation, the V6 had grown to 3.8 liters and put out a healthy 263 horsepower, though in this case it’s through an automatic transmission – not exactly a toothless tiger, but not the fire-breathing performance car it once was.

The GT version of the Eclipse got some other goodies, like leather seats, fog lights, and anti-lock brakes, to name a few. This one looks like it’s in good shape inside, especially for 179,000 miles. The air conditioning works, which is a good thing, because the power top doesn’t. The seller says you can fold it down manually – there must be some kind of override to the power mechanism – but doesn’t show any photos of it down.

There is also a small tear in the top, next to the rear window. If that’s the only flaw in it, I can’t see going to all the trouble of replacing the top; that’s what Gorilla Tape is for. But at this car’s age, after seventeen years of Florida sun, it may be due for a replacement anyway. That’s no small chore; I’ve replaced a Miata top before, and I imagine this one is even more work.

It looks OK otherwise, but not great. The rear bumper cover doesn’t quite match the rest of the paint, there’s a ding in one front fender, and the headlights have cataracts. But on a nice day – or even better, a nice evening – with the top down and the stereo up, I doubt you’d care.

2008(?) Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Spyder – $4,200

Engine/drivetrain: 2.4 liter overhead cam inline 4, four-speed automatic, FWD

Location: Fresno, CA

Odometer reading: 139,000 miles

Operational status: Runs and drives great

This car is a bit of a puzzler. The seller has it listed as a 2013 model, which sounded weird to me. I didn’t think Mitsubishi made Eclipses that late. As it turns out, they didn’t – production ended in 2011, and the front end was changed in 2009, which means that this car is at newest a 2008 model. It’s not the first time a classified ad for a car has been wrong, of course, and it most certainly won’t be the last. I wish they had posted the VIN in the ad, though, so I could date it accurately.

This is the base GS model Eclipse, which makes do with two fewer cylinders in its engine and one fewer gear in its automatic gearbox. You could still get an Eclipse with a manual in this generation, but they seem to be rare. This one runs and drives great, according to the seller, and everything works. Presumably that includes the power top, since this one is shown both open and closed.

It looks nice enough on the outside, but the seller says it has a salvage title. That, combined with the questions about the model year, makes this car a little bit suspect. Better check the VIN on the title and make sure it’s for the right car. If everything checks out, it’s still worth asking why it has a salvage title to begin with.

This sort of car is a tough call, because it does look pretty good in the photos. But how many yellow flags does it take to add up to a big red one? The only way to really assess this car properly is to see it – and its title – in person. But is it worth the time in the first place?

Cars aside, if you are in the path of totality for this solar eclipse, enjoy it. I got a front-row seat for the last one, in 2017, and it was one hell of a show. Miss this one, and you’ll have to go to Greenland in two years to catch the next one.

But our business here isn’t astronomy; it’s cars. You’ve got a choice to make: an honest-seeming car with a few little issues that need taking care of, or one that looks nicer, but may be hiding some nasty secrets?

(Image credits: Craigslist sellers)