The most common problem: the plastic radiator. This caused the engine to fail at 195,000 miles...however, I ordered a used engine that had been shipped over from Japan, where the longest car life is 50,000 miles (cars are a luxury and a big status symbol over there, so those who have cars upgrade often.) The new engine runs very nicely... and of course I replaced the radiator with an after-market metal one.
The car is designed better than most cars, both inside and out. The exterior styling makes people think this car is a 2000 or newer, when it is over a decade old. The interior has been built solidly, and with form and function for the occupants in mind. I will have a very difficult time replacing the look and feel of this car without spending 45K plus on a sport sedan (BMW M5?). So I'll continue driving this... maybe forever?
A plastic radiator that caused the engine to fail? Sounds like either a bad design or poor maintenance.
The radiator problem is very common. The plastic radiator develops leaks which allow coolant to escape and air to enter the system. Because this is an all aluminum engine, it doesn't take well to excess heat and it warps (which casues a head gasket failure). This engine seems to be particularly prone to this, so bad design is likely the culprit.
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