Buying an older car but bad experience with previous one.?

I'm thinking about purchasing a 97 Mitsubishi Eclipse. But I'm sort of afraid. My grandpa has a 93 Subaru Loyale and its a sad excuse for a car.. I'd say it goes from 0-55 in 20 seconds and i say 55 because it will not go faster than that. plus it dies all the time. Is this a crappy car or is it because of its age?