The third-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, sold from 2000 to 2005, represented a significant pivot from its predecessor. It abandoned the popular turbocharged, all-wheel-drive formula in favor of a front-wheel-drive platform with naturally aspirated engines. Base models used a 2.4L 4-cylinder, but the desirable GT and GTS models featured a 3.0L V6 with up to 210 horsepower, paired with a manual or automatic transmission.
The car's bold 'Geo-Mechanical' styling was a hallmark of early 2000s design and gives it a unique presence today. While often overshadowed by the 2G Eclipse, the 3G has a dedicated following who appreciate the V6's smooth power delivery and the model's affordability. Clean, un-modified examples are becoming difficult to find, as many were customized during the height of the sport compact tuner scene, making original cars the most collectible.
With an average sale price under $6,000, the 3G Eclipse market is extremely accessible. It's an entry-level collectible for enthusiasts seeking a Japanese sports coupe from the Y2K era. The best V6-powered coupes and Spyders with low mileage and manual transmissions command the highest prices, sometimes exceeding $15,000, but the vast majority of cars trade for much less.
Buying Tips
- V6 models require a timing belt and water pump service every 60,000 miles; it's an interference engine, so failure is catastrophic.
- The 4-speed automatic transmission, especially when paired with the V6, is a known weak point. Check for slipping, harsh shifts, or delayed engagement.
- Inspect the rear wheel arches, strut towers, and rocker panels for rust. The factory clear coat is also infamous for peeling and failing.
- Dashboards are very prone to cracking from sun exposure, so factor a cracked dash into your offer unless the car has been garaged.
- Prioritize stock examples. Many were heavily modified with low-quality parts, and returning them to original specification can be difficult and costly.
Prices range from approximately $1,300 for project cars to over $15,000 for pristine, low-mileage GT and GTS variants.
4,487 Mitsubishi Eclipse 3rd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 2031 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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