Faults:

ABS didn't work when I bought the car.

Resonator was replaced right after I bought the car.

Ventilation fan 2nd speed doesn't work (1-3-4 work fine).

Alternator replaced at 146000km.

Fuel pump & tank replaced at 160000km.

Catalytic converter & some exhaust sections replaced at 165000km.

Left headlight cover fell at around 170000km.

A/C gave out at some point (didn't use it much, so not sure when).

Front doors squeak badly when opened or closed; oil helps a little, but not that much.

Front electric windows sometime stop working for a while.

Check engine light turns on when I accelerate quickly, but turns off afterward.

Suspension has become a bit soft and bouncy.

General Comments:

I purchased this car for 1200$ in 2006 to serve as a winter car. It was already a bit rusty when I acquired it, and had not been well maintained (rust is not that much of a problem though, I see 2002 Mazdas with more rust than this 1994 daily).

However it turned out to be quite reliable, and I didn't have to spend more than 250$ a year on maintenance to keep it running. Insurance is also very cheap.

It's very comfortable for long distances, although it's a bit noisy on the highway. It is not made for aggressive driving and feels like driving a boat, although I must say that it performs well on snow.

Fuel consumption is quite high for the performance you get, but by buying this car, you save a lot on other stuff, so I'm not complaining.

Faults:

The transmission gave signs of fatigue around 400 000+ km.

General Comments:

Awesome car, very comfortable and reliable. It lasted for more than 420 000 with its original shocks, engine and everything. I had to change the starter and the fuel pump once only.

Faults:

Needed motor mounts twice during ownership.

Electric operated seat is broken, but still works! Seat is more like a rocking chair now, but this car is years old!

General Comments:

Car has taken me to the moon and back, and even when a hose burst on the car and the engine was running hot, it still took me to my destination. Car has NEVER broken down on me or left me stranded on the side of the road.

Faults:

Got the Cent used for $800.

Electrical system is pretty shaky; no right turn signals & the window motors are shot; dashboard indicators kinda quirky.

Had mismatched tires on the front; ride really stabilised when I upgraded them.

Ordinary fixes: plugs, wires, filters, PCV valve, cleaned the fuel system.

The 3100 runs like a champ. Still the SES light came on all the time & ultimately she started stalling at every deceleration. I read up on the web & figured it was the MAF sensor (which actually had a cracked housing). Replaced it with a used one & the ECM/PCM is now just thrilled, maintaining that 14.7 AFM. Still get the SES but its probably the O2 sensor (the ALDL isn't wired right so I can't pull the codes till its fixed).

General Comments:

Considering the age & price, it's proving to be quite reliable. The 3100 SFI V6 was used on 19 GM models between 1989-2003, so I see them at all the junkyards & know I can get parts & service. If you spend a moment understanding the sensors, you can make both the computer & the engine happy, & it will probably run forever.

Sure its a grandaddymobile, but that means nobody will steal it. I'm just spraypainting a trio of racingstripes from hood to trunk to make it look a bit more rad. Not too far away, the things sell for almost $2000, so I might someday get my money back out of it. Meanwhile the gas mileage is refreshingly good.