Faults:

Automatic transaxle slipped due to internal hydraulic issues with "direct clutch". Tried rebuilding it unsuccessfully. 1st gen THM125 were junk. In '82 GM introduced 2nd gen THM125c, c is for Torque Converter Clutch. I've swapped 2 of those before finding a good one, got the process down pat to 4 hours. I wired the TCC to a manual switch to use on a highway. '83 onwards THM125c were OK in my experience.

Carb enrichment rod kept getting stuck - lubed with synthetic oil.

Ignition issues started in the dead of winter. After replacing a bunch of obscure distributor parts found out it's the electronic advance control mounted on the firewall (no vacuum advance here). On carbureted X-bodies only the electronic distributor module was used for starting, then after 3-5 sec. it switched timing to external ECC and then ignition glitched. Disconnecting ECC made the engine run at base timing. Replaced ECC later. I don't remember exactly which wire needs to be pulled, but there are 2 timing control blades on the distributor module so that should give you a clue.

The reason X-bodies are labeled as lemons is because the "brake proportioning valve" makes rear brakes lock up hard. My neighbor's X-body Citation had that issue, mine less severe. I replaced mine with one from A-body car.

General Comments:

A-body car that came out in '82 was basically a de-bugged finished design whereas the X-body was a demo version, not fully engineered, yet rushed to market because Chrysler got Lee Iacocca and the K-car marketing blitz.

So really just be sane and avoid X-body cars and buy A-body instead. I recommend Cutlass Ciera and Buick Century option packages. Avoid Celebrity option - interior too cheaply made, had one of those too.

Bought this midnight-blue V6 sedan for cheap at an auction. Right away found out the transaxle slipped in 1-2 ranges but held up in 3rd and reverse.

Ride was very comfortable and reasonably quiet for a unibody car.

After I sorted out all THM125c transaxles in the city, acceleration was decent, comparable to modern fuel-injected 4cyl cars. Averaged 21-23mpg.

I liked the medium-sized trunk that fit a bicycle. Split-bench front seats had non-reclining seatbacks retained by a nylon strap because only the coupes had mechanical locks. I've tried camping in this car by disconnecting the nylon strap & reclining pass. seatback forward - uncomfortable. Back seat too narrow.

The body was well-made overall, not a rattlebucket. I've taken it on many road trips.

Oh yeah, the ignition switch in the steering column smoked once in a while in the off position, but no fuses and no functions failed. Another reason to avoid an X-body.

Faults:

Front and Rear Brakes, including cables, Completely Replaced 65k.

Front and rear Struts/Shocks 65k.

All new Vac lines 65k miles.

General Comments:

While this is my project car, I do want to point out that I only paid $500 for it. The story for this is that it sat for 15 years in this guys garage, when the girlfriend left him and left the car in the garage. He did a basic tune up and then got rid of it. I replaced the brakes (frozen) and suspension (leaking) and that's it.

The 23 year old car runs great, smooth acceleration.

The body is also in great shape and not rusted out despite it spending it's life in OH.

If anyone else is looking for a car that will soon be 25 and a classic, this is a nice choice.

By the way it is really a Convertible.