Faults:

Low performance in DX model (in other words, she takes her time getting up to speed - nothing worse than your typical minivan, though)

Oil covering spark plugs at 205K that requires engine rebuild to repair permanently; replaced spark plugs and she runs great for the short term!

Replaced pads, rotors and calipers at 202K (no idea what previous maintenance was)

Replaced PS wheel bearing at 202K.

DS wheel bearing now needs replacing at 234K.

Seat belt buckles are worn out and need replacement - seat belt does not stay clicked in (dangerous)

Uses some oil (about 1/2 quart per 4000 miles)

General Comments:

LOL -- I'm taking bets on just how long this lil trooper is going to last! I absolutely ADORE this car! =)

Interior is NOT spacious, but TONS of trunk space (surprisingly)

GREAT gas mileage - usually averaging 45 or better per gallon.

Starts up and goes down the road despite having a valve gasket leak (I think?) causing oil to drip into the spark plugs.

Steering is still nice and tight in spite of the high mileage; Drives nice and straight.

Had replacement parts before I got her; new radiator, new alternator, new timing belt, etc... ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE.

Purchased for $1000 and have only put about $500 into her (brakes, wheel bearing, tires). Have another $200 for the bearing that needs replacement yet. Not bad for her age and mileage. And she STILL has a good resale value, all things considered.

Clutch is nice and strong, tranny good and strong, engine strong, but gets a little rough exactly at 3000 oil change intervals. She definitely 'tells' me when she's due.

WHAT MORE CAN BE EXPECTED FROM A CAR WITH THIS KIND OF MILEAGE?!?

Faults:

Radiator was blown when purchased, leaking water onto wires, causing engine to miss.

Secondary hood latch (safety latch) failed. My boyfriend's son was in the car and pulled the latch. We didn't realise until the hood flew up and smashed the windshield.

Electrical gremlins! Blower motor failed. Headlight switch failed twice, causing all of the tail lights to go out. SRS went off unexpectedly, causing an accident.

General Comments:

Once the radiator was repaired this car ran wonderfully. It truly has been put to the test. Run off the road (damaged control arm bushings, repaired ran like new). Rusted out. (Thanks to the some serious time and energy, passenger side body restored to original condition). Lower rad support broken in accident involving SRS. Frame bent, same accident.

To look at this car, you'd think it came straight off an insurance total lot, but it runs beautifully, and I'm inclined to think it may never stop. It has a smashed windshield, a semi-disconnected bumper, a bent frame, a wire tied in radiator, rusted out drivers side rear quarter panel, there never really has been much of a clutch in it, and I learned to drive on it. I've never had to replace brakes. All in all, if I could keep this car's body in shape, I would drive it till I died...

Faults:

I haven't had any serious problems with the car yet. When I got the car a couple of months ago, I gave it a pretty good tune-up. I changed the oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter, plugs and wires and the cap and rotor.

The only problem I am having is when you're driving sometimes the car will chug or jerk. I doesn't matter what gear you are in or how fast you are going.

Or sometimes it will feel like you've suddenly taken your foot off the gas when you haven't.

Both of these problems seen to be corrected it you put your foot to the floor.

Any suggestions would be nice.

General Comments:

I am very happy with the car. I bought it to drive to work, which is an hour each way. I've been getting about 45 mpg, which is going to save me about $200.00 a month. It seems to be very quick for a little four cylinder. Not the most comfortable car, but it gets the job done.

I started with 138,000 miles and hope to double that before I am through.