But I really got on to reply to steal an image and say this:
Well, here we go. DSM means Diamond Star Motors, which was what products of the Chrysler/Mitsubishi partnership were called. The 1990-1999 Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Plymouth Laser(through 1994) are all commonly referred to as DSMs, because they are all essentially the same car under(slightly) different body metal. The 1G(what they call first-generation, 1990-94) AWD turbo cars were faster than runny trots, can be made MUCH faster at very small cost, and were(and are) fantastic race cars. The 2G(95-99) cars seem to be a bit more fragile. The newer Eclipses are entirely Mitsubishi. Interestingly, the Dodge Stratus coupe is for all intents and purposes an Eclipse, once you look past the body panels. Totally different car from the Stratus sedan.
The picture refers to a problem called crankwalk, which only occurred in 2G DSMs, and as I recall was much more common in turbo cars. The crankshaft, for reasons which I forget, *could* develop excess endplay, leading to, um, catastrophic failure.
ANYWAY, it seems as if you're looking at a base model Talon, which could be a good car. If you have the knowledge and tools(and the seller will work with you), figure out what's wrong before you buy it, and you'll have a potentially solid car after investing some time and money. These are not bad cars, and if it was generally treated well it will last(although smoke puffs do not usually indicate good driving/maintenance habits :)). If you pay someone else to work on your cars, pass on this one and buy something else.
Edit: I would suggest an '80s Celica or MR2. Both RWD, fun to drive, cheap insurance, very reliable, and easy to work on - despite what people say about mid-engine cars, the '86-'89 MR2 is quite roomy under the hood.
