Faults:
Master cylinder at 130,000.
Transmission at 210,000.
Fake overheating due to sticky thermostat and random water pump leaking/low water level.
Antenna freezing strips retracting gears.
Plugged drains on sunroof led to hilarious dump of water down backs when I hit the brakes.
General Comments:
I want another one!
I have tried to replace this car when the transmission went out, and could not find anything newer that I love as much except for a BMW (too much funky status statements and repairs). In the end I ignored my mechanics advice and fixed it. When the engine goes, I will bury it. It won't be worth a $5,000 repair with 300K on it.
These cars have an amazing drive. Just rough enough to feel the road, but able to creep up to 90mph without noticing (and only cost $5000 used). Better yet, they keep amazing control while dodging between reckless oncoming cars with only inches to spare, and go from 25mph to instantly and safely passing not only the RV, but all the cars that are too hesitant to try... all without the slightest adrenaline rush. There always seems to be one more trick available, if needed. Long distance coastal driving every week made this a much safer car than the Jetta.
It is comfortable even after so much use. Whoever owned it before me weighed a lot, and the seat is still holding up well. Everything is easy to reach, use, figure out. The style is attractive even after so many years.
The down side? The leather is cheap.
The gas mileage is not great even when I drive like an old lady (most of the time, despite the first part of review).
Repairs are expensive.
The Bose stereos are fussy and useless when any one part goes out. Once the antenna ices up, it is shot.