Changed the alternator once, no big deal... died alongside the road, my wife brought me a new one. Took me about 45 minutes to swap it using the tool kit I carried in the car.
Changed the rear wheel bearings twice, second time necessary 'cause I didn't torque them correctly the first time. My fault!
Everything else (plugs, wires, brakes, timing belt) changed at (or way after) recommended intervals.
Not a car for the person who wants to leave rubber marks on the asphalt, but otherwise this is the greatest car!
I've put over 100K on it since I bought it and I've put very little into it. I drive a 126 miles round trip to work and this little buggy keeps up with the highway traffic without a complaint.
Interior is very spartan, but what do you expect from a car that was less than $5K brand new? It still rides comfortably up front. My wife complains that driving it bothers her legs, but she's 5'10" and has long legs. It doesn't bother me a bit. My sons complain if they have to ride in the back seat, but they're both 6'3".
I plan on getting at least one more year out of this buggy, which would take me up to 200K. I know a half dozen people who have gotten 200K+ out of their Festivas, so I shouldn't have a problem.
Big disappointment... 1993 was the last year they made these, so unless I can find another one with reasonable mileage on it, I'll have to find a different make/model. I don't know how I can do any better.
If you're looking for good, reliable, cheap transportation and can lay your hands on one of these... go for it!!
I hear ya buddy, its a very good car, but as far as the no rubber on the asphalt, I've left some pretty good tracks with my '93!
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