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Re: Why not review the 2001? (Reply to this comment)
by drive571
After posting the review and reading your comment, I agree that it would be a better idea to downplay my 2001 and concentrate on the 2004 model. I was just including that part to let people know that, as far as reliability goes, I actually had something so say here besides regurgitating Consumer Reports statistics. I've updated the review since then.
As far as the 2001 vs. 2004 Eclipse differences goes, there really are no changes of substance. There was a slight restyling in 2003 that consisted of a different front fascia and taillights, but nothing under the skin. Some equipment and options have been shuffled around, too, but nothing that affects the driving characteristics of the vehicle. There's a new GTS version with slightly more horsepower, but as far as the GT version is concerned, all the mechanicals and their tuning have remained untouched since its 2000 introduction.
Also, to answer mkaresh's questions, I just wanted to mention that this car really wasn't my first choice, being the stickler for handling and steering feel that I am. But my previous car (a 1995 Miata with Eibach springs, KYB shocks, rollbar, strut tower braces, ZR-rated tires... oh, how I miss that handling) got totaled in an accident, I had to find a new car relatively quickly. I wanted something fast, and being a decidedly not-loaded college student, that meant used cars only. I settled on the Eclipse because of its great engine, stylish looks, and decent enough handling with the aftermarket tires I've fitted.
Anyway, thanks for pointing out this stuff so I can improve my reviews. Take it easy
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Mar 23 '04
6:21 pm PST
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Second comment after reading a number of your other reviews (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh,  in Cars & Motorsports
After reading a number of your other reviews, I have a couple of pointed questions:
1. Usually people review the car they own first. Why did it take you so long to review your own car, and then as a 2004?
2. Why does someone who puts such a high priority on driving enjoyment, especially handling, own this car?
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Mar 10 '04
8:38 am PST
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Very good overall (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
I read this as a review of your test drive. But wouldn't your ownership experience have informed it more? The source of your info is unclear.
One area you don't cover: styling. Someone needs to help me understand why the Eclipse looks the way it does. I personally cannot stand to look at it.
I read the bit about putting together a portfolio. This is a good start--I plan to read some of your other reviews to see how they measure up. The only technical error I see regards ride quality. The wheels aren't the problem. Plenty of cars with even larger, heavier wheels (e.g. any large luxury sedan) ride better.
You might also want to improve the quality of your writing a bit. For this site, your writing quality is outstanding. But for actual publication it needs to be better. I especially noted an overuse of commas, usually before "and." Also be aware that two short sentences can be better than one long one.
A mismatched preposition:
"I've also owned a 2001 Mitsbishi Eclipse GT for about eight months, and it's been my daily driver since then.."
If you're going to say "since," you need to be referring to a past event, not a continuing event. "I bought a 2001...eight months ago..." Or just say: "Also, a 2001...has been my daily driver for the past eight months..." The details of the commute aren't relevant.
"The differences between the 2001 and 2004 model are minor--this car has changed almost not at all in three years."
The "almost not at all" is awkward. Maybe "very little," or drop the second half of the sentence altogether--what does it add?
"Except from these mild trim and styling changes, the car underneath remains identical, as does their behavior on the road."
Typos: "from" instead of "for," "their" instead of "its." (Also one in previous sentence.)"Minor" might be a better word than "mild."
I've just critiqued the first paragraph, but this should give you an idea on what to look for throughout. Overall, your writing could be a bit tighter. When writing, constantly ask yourself, "What does this phrase add?" (I need to do this more myself.)
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Mar 10 '04
6:34 am PST
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Why not review the 2001? (Reply to this comment)
by pvreditor,  in Cars & Motorsports
I'm not crazy about the fact that you're really reviewing a 2001 in the 2004 listing, but your opening paragraph provided enough explanation. That said, you didn't buy a 2004 model used for $13,000... you might want to change that.
Are the 2001 and 2004 models all that identical? This review would be just a bit better if you highlighted what differences there are, assuming there are some. It's hard to believe that there weren't some changes in three model years.
Anyway, this is a thoughtful and comprehensive review, as usual. I'm just not not crazy about the "I drove a 2004 and own a 2001, so here's a review of my 2001" approach.
--Bob
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Mar 09 '04
5:39 am PST
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