I know I haven't owned this car for long, but I had to contribute to such an awesome website.
For sitting for 3 months, and things being pretty stuck (e.g. nuts/bolts, and the rear drums) this car was very easy to work on. Without the power steering option, the engine compartment really opens up. My dad and I did all the repairs ourselves.
This car was mainly something for me to learn how to drive standard and is never intended to be a long-time runner, but I can just sense it might just last a very long time.
The engine is very nice and quiet at idle, and even at the higher rpms. However, the road noise is very high driving at 80km/h. I hate to see what it sounds like at even 100km/h.
For a small four-banger, the car is quite peppy. In first gear squealing the tires is not a problem. However, I wouldn't want to put a lot of weight in this car. I don't trust it as of yet.
The transmission shifts smoothly, and is an excellent car to learn the basis of a standard transmission on.
The seats are comfy, but the back seat is cramped. The hatch is very roomy, considering I can put a hockey bag in there without having to fold the seat down.
Overall this is a nice first car. On the inside it has nothing you would want to give a teenager, and on the outside it has a high workability rating and is one easy car to drive.
For $875 CDN purchase price, and $815 in parts, I am very happy with how the car is. Not to mention its oddly low insurance rating. 17 year old male, $1900/year.