Faults:

I needed to replace the radiator at about 75,000 miles.

The air conditioning needs to be recharged every spring.

General Comments:

This is a very good first car for anyone. I love it. I am about to get a new truck, and I am still going to keep this car because it has gotten me around since the day I got my license. I added an exhaust to it, and even though it isn't that loud, it still spruces up the car a good deal. The car is comfortable and fast once it gets moving. Great torque. Pontiac's are known for it.

Faults:

Radiator was leaking when I first got the car, turned out to be a long piece of metal strapping caught in the fan. Removed strapping, and fixed leak with Bars - all leaks.

Still consumed coolant, seemed to be leaking sporadically from around the rear of the engine, sporadic noise coming from the water pump? Kept adding water, heat worked great.

Next day, Heat gone, coolant vapour coming from vents, spitting from heater core/engine - Heater core is gone, might also be water pump, gasket, or hoses on rear of engine.

Emergency brake did not work when I got the car, rear brakes seem to grab, think that might be from somone installing the shoes wrong (noticed two short linings on left side, supposed to be a long and a short on each side)

The rocker pannels are rusted pretty bad, but the floor/underside / trunk is in very good shape. Some bad rust at bottom of doors.

General Comments:

The car interior is designed poorly in my opinion, as its very hard for a tall person to get in and out of, its very restraining.

I paid $300 CA for this car, so I expected from the beginning it was going to cost a few bucks to make it roadworthy...

Faults:

Bought the car from a tow company that had impounded it. Had to replace alternator and battery to get it started.

Front shocks need replacement. AC/Heater does not work, if I turn it on, it shorts the fuse and the fan doesn't run, then engine overheats. Problem solved by not running the climate control. Most likely needs to replace air compressor.

Gas gauge doesn't work, most likely a fuse.

It does have some good rust bellow the doors, nothing major or noticeable at a glance, car was from Wisconsin so snow damage. Car is in California now.

General Comments:

The car was in good condition, clean and good body for being 130,000+ miles, the I think that falls on the previous owner.

Very comfortable and cozy. My first and definitely reliable car. Sad to have to sell it to make room and money for my other cars. Would be sold to definitely someone I know very well and and want to have a good, reliable car.

Faults:

Radiator blew at 70000kms.

AC blew at 80000kms.

EGR valve at 160000kms.

Alternator at 180000kms.

Now my ABS brake is on at all times (210000 kms.). Afraid these parts will be expensive to fix.

Rust is appearing at the bottom of both doors.

General Comments:

Overall, I have to say that I love this car. Although it's a 4, its manual transmission is very well geared giving it great acceleration, good highway speed and good gasoline economy.

I do most of the repairs myself which is why I have kept it that long... otherwise, I'm afraid the cost of repairs would not have warranted keeping the car. However, now that my ABS is misbehaving, I am concerned that the costs of whatever parts I will need to fix it will be too much for me to keep investing in the car. Does anyone have had problems with ABS and how did you fix it (costs and parts)?