Faults:

Resprayed.

New wheel bearings.

More or less replaced all suspension parts; the suspension was generally completely shot.

Low compression and oil leaks from engine; did light engine rebuild reusing most existing parts. Cylinders and pistons were OK, but rings had to be replaced. Valves and valve springs were worn. All engine bearings were actually good and oil pressure in the engine was OK, but all seals in the engine had deteriorated and were hence replaced.

Replaced clutch.

Replaced seals in transmission and replaced oil; besides that, the transmission feels as new.

Various other parts, a long list.

General Comments:

One family car from new. Used daily until they got problems with the engine, and I was able to buy it. The car was surprisingly in good condition, with no serious rust since they had done regular rustproofing. A lot of stone chips, paint fading, and rust around the front window, so I did a full respray; it now looks like "new".

The main issue was low compression in the engine, and that was sorted.

Also, a lot of new parts were all over.

I know the new owner after me, and it has now close to 800K kilometres, and it is used daily.

Faults:

Manual transmission rebuilt at 130,000 miles.

Never had the engine open, no valve jobs.

Repainted once at 180,000.

General Comments:

Part of the family - 28 years of faithful service. My wife and I bought it new as our first car when we were married in 1980. Our 2 children rode in infant car seats in the back, and then learned to drive in this car.

I still drive it regularly, and it has 276,000+ miles on it, although the odometer works occasionally.

Any car that you can drive for 28 years has been a good investment.

Faults:

I've had absolutely no problems with engine, transmission, cooling system, or suspension over the years it's been driven. Normal repairs for maintenance & wear and tear.

There have been only minor electrical problems -- replaced the alternator and checked the wiring in 1992 and it's been humming along ever since.

The odometer/trip meter started sticking at 122K miles in 1990, reads 187K now, even though I know I've driven it at least 325K and probably more, based on my annual driving average in this car.

The gear box (still the original) is just now starting to show signs of wear (pops out of 4th occasionally when I'm coasting downhill), but considering the miles on it, quite impressive it's held up so well.

General Comments:

What a tough little car. Solid road feel -- I can really toss it around corners, even now. VERY comfortable to drive on long trips. But with the little 4-cylinder engine, I do notice enough power-loss when the A/C is on, that I turn it off when driving in mountainous terrain.

It is still on the first engine, and does not need a rebuild yet! My mechanic is just amazed, calls the engine "solid as a brick." My regular and preventive maintenance is a key, I expect, but it is just an incredibly well-made car. I see no reason why I'd ever need to retire it.

Not a spot of rust anywhere, and it has not been garaged.

I love this car. It is simple, utilitarian and therefore, there are seldom any issues. I don't believe any cars today are built this well, including my Jaguar.

Faults:

Minor electrical. Seatbelt light comes on even if I'm safely buckled up.

Driver armrest came loose some years ago and needed re-attaching.

Car was kept outside, so the paint has oxidized somewhat.

General Comments:

I bought this car brand new, and it still runs as well as it did that sunny day 25 years ago. True, the mileage is very low, as it's usage has been split with other cars I've owned. Nonetheless, while it's a tuffy, and rather spartan by today's standards, I find the drive solid, the seating comfy and cozy, (the lumbar support is much better than any car I've driven since.)