Sporty coupes are, much to the disappointment of car enthusiasts all over the world, something of a dying breed. There are much fewer models that fit this description available today than there were a decade or two ago; consumer preference has shifted towards body styles like the crossover or the SUV, even in the realm of performance cars.
As a result, the gearhead who is shopping for a sporty coupe that doesn’t cost a fortune to maintain is increasingly likely to turn to the used market. Here, we find a much wider variety of options, including one that you might have overlooked, but which has plenty to offer.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse spent over two decades on the market (and has since made a comeback in crossover and EV form), but its fourth generation – sold between 2006 and 2012 – is where you want to be looking for your next purchase. The sporty GT trim is the one you want: rather than being equipped with a 162-hp inline-four engine, like its more pedestrian GS sibling, it was fitted with a 260-hp naturally aspirated V6. This hidden gem of mid-00s Japanese performance can be yours at very affordable prices: for comparison, a Honda Civic from the same era will cost you about the same, while a more recent used Civic will be even more expensive.
Let’s take a closer look at what the fourth-generation Eclipse GT has to offer, how much it will set you back, and what you need to look out for to make your ownership experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
The Fourth-Gen Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT exteriorMitsubishi
Mitsubishi Eclipse GT (2006-2012)
Engine
3.8-liter V6
Power
263 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
0-60 mph
6 seconds
Top Speed
135–150 mph
The fourth generation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse arrived on the market for the 2006 model year. Among the trim levels on offer, one stands out for having the sportiest, most enthusiast-friendly character: the Eclipse GT. This model is more powerful than the rest of the bunch, and comes with a host of extra features. Power comes from a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which produces around 263 hp depending on model year. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic.
Over the course of this generation’s seven years on the market, the Eclipse underwent a few changes. One facelift arrived in 2009; the car’s front fascia was redesigned, with a more minimalistic, simple grille. The Eclipse lettering at the rear was altered slightly, going from an indent to raised silver lettering. The power output of the V6 engine featured in the GT went up slightly, by just two horses: from 263 to 265 hp. Torque also went up, from 260 to 262 lb-ft. The introduction of a dual exhaust and HID headlights completed the picture.
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT exteriorMitsubishi
The 2012 Eclipse GT is also a particularly interesting model for this reason; despite being the model’s last year on the market, it brought about a few changes. Some of the updates Mitsubishi introduced for this year include the addition of brake override logic, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a rear backup camera. The suspension was lowered slightly, and a few new cosmetic features were added as well, including an optional blackout roof, a new Kalapana Black paint finish, and a clear lip spoiler.
If you’ve decided the GT is not the right Eclipse for you after all, there are plenty of other trim levels on offer from this generation, although they will not come with the V6 engine on board. The entry-level model is the GS, which is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that produces 162 hp. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Some of the GS’ standard features include a six-speaker sound system, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and a rear spoiler. The GS is also available in convertible form.
The next level up is the SE, which was offered with either the same inline-four engine as the GS or the V6 that also powered the GT. The SE trim added features such as a front spoiler, side skirt decals, additional interior options, and 18-inch wheels. The GT and its convertible version, the GT Spyder, completed the lineup just above the SE.
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Interior And Tech Features
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Spyder exteriorBring a Trailer
If you’re looking into an Eclipse GT as your next car purchase, there’s a strong chance state-of-the-art tech is not one of your biggest priorities: after all, the model is 20 years old, and automotive tech has evolved by leaps and bounds since it came off the market. That being said, the Eclipse’s cabin is not completely devoid of creature comforts.
The car is equipped with bolstered sport seats, a four-spoke steering wheel and a soft-touch instrument panel; buyers were offered a choice of three color schemes, including charcoal, medium gray, and terracotta. A premium sport fabric interior was exclusively available on the GT model.
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT exteriorMitsubishi
The additional upholstery option was not the only bonus feature the GT offered: GT buyers could also opt for the Premium Sport Package, which included heated leather front seats, a power sunroof, automatic climate control, aluminum pedals, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a premium sound system. The upgraded sound system was built by Rockford Fosgate, and features nine speakers including a 10-inch subwoofer. The system also comes with a six-disc in-dash CD changer.
The Fourth-Gen Eclipse GT On The Used Market Today
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Coupe Yellow Front Angled ViewMitsubishi
The cheapest examples of the fourth-gen Eclipse GT can be had for as little as $5,000. At this price point, however, you can expect to find cars with a higher mileage, older cars, and cars with a poorer maintenance record, so unless you’re willing to spend a few weekends working on your car or save up some money for repairs, you’re probably best aiming a little higher. Most cars can be found around the $7,000–$9,000 mark; the most expensive examples go up to around $15,000.
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Coupe Yellow Side View DrivingMitsubishi
For the other trim levels in the Eclipse lineup, the picture is a fairly similar one; average prices are slightly lower, but the range of price points available is nearly as wide. The cheapest examples can be had for as little as $3,000, while the most expensive ones will set you back up to around $12,000. In terms of overall trend, prices for the Eclipse are currently remaining fairly stable, with no signs of a drastic increase or decrease on the horizon.
The Ownership Experience: Maintenance And Costs
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Spyder exteriorBring a Trailer
The fourth-gen Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, along with the rest of the Eclipse model family, has a fairly good reputation when it comes to reliability. The number of complaints related to the model is quite low; according to CarComplaints, the most problematic year is 2007, although it still has just 132 complaints associated with it. That being said, even the youngest examples of this model are now approaching their 15th birthday, so maintenance should be at the very top of your list of priorities if you’re looking to add one to your garage.
There are a few key issues you should keep an eye out for. The timing belt is frequently mentioned as a problem area with this model, so replacing it at regular intervals (and, if you’re still in the purchase process, making sure it has been replaced recently) is paramount. The catalytic converter is another component fourth-gen Eclipse owners frequently struggle with: keep an eye out for any error codes related to catalytic converter wear and tear. Crankshaft issues and transmission problems are also relatively common.
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Spyder Tailgate Badging.Bring A Trailer
If we look at the most expensive repairs rather than the most common ones, here is what you can expect: a new head gasket will set you back around $1,500, a new clutch around $1,300, and a new powertrain control module around $1,000. In terms of overall costs, however, the fourth-gen Eclipse GT fares quite well: according to RepairPal, the average yearly maintenance and repair bill comes out to around $500, not bad for a car two decades old.
With a good reliability record, enough performance and driver engagement to put a smile on your face, and a wallet-friendly price tag, the fourth-gen Mitsubishi Eclipse GT might just be the overlooked sporty coupe your garage needs.
Sources: Mitsubishi, CarComplaints, RepairPal
