Summary:
Worth every penny and scraped knuckles
Faults:
I bought this car cheap ($300) with another rebuilt engine block to go along with it.
All the vacuum and emission hoses were missing, causing a major vacuum leak. The PCV valve and systems were taken off and breather filters were installed by the previous owner. This caused oil to leak from the valve cover down the engine onto the exhaust making a smell and smoke of burning oil.
The bearings were clacking pretty badly.
The cold idle choke was inoperable and it would stall at least a half-dozen times before it would stay running with the engine cold.
The radio needed connected.
The clock was non-functioning.
The hatch has a small leak around the door moldings. When it rains, I find a small puddle of water in the back.
The tilt on the steering column is loose.
Needed a simple, cheap exhaust gasket to cure the leak and noise.
General Comments:
After I swapped out the old tired engine, the car ran like a dream. I even managed to do some upgrades (such as a different cylinder head) to boost the horsepower.
I found all the vacuum lines and hoses I needed from local auto parts stores and junk yards. This fixed the idle problem and it was relatively cheap.
A new fuse and the clock began to work.
A little sealant and new rubber moldings cured the rain leaking in the back. Found a steering column in a junkyard and it swapped out easily in under 2 hours.
The body was in fair shape. Just the normal wear and tear of a car of this age. The interior was intact and needed a good cleaning, but that was about it.
Rides good, looks ok, comfortable drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th October, 2004