Faults:
CV Joints, Left & Right, 170k miles.
RF wheel bearing,170k miles.
Exhaust, Catalytic back replace 130k miles.
AC stopped at 12 years. Still blows cold without ever getting a recharge, but needs a new switch. (Fan and AC don't work at the same time...wierd.)
Front rotors, 130k miles. Lots of pads (every 30k miles).
Power Antenna, 8 years old.
Rear hatchback leaks since 6 years old.
Dealer did recall work on motorized seat belts, but they've always worked.
Original clutch! And I auto-cross with it.
Original struts.
Valve cover gasket, 140k miles.
Radiator exploded 90k miles.
General Comments:
This was my first car out of college and I still use it regularly. It has been very reliable and only once left me stranded (when the radiator blew up as I parked it). I've done nearly all of the maintenance on it myself (belts, timing belts, brakes, CV joints, radiator) : it's not too difficult to work on, though as it gets old, it gets more difficult (parts freeze up).
The 2.2L motor doesn't have a lot of top-end power, but the torque is good: I rarely have to downshift climbing hills/mountains.
The exterior paint (silver) is badly faded an flat, though it doesn't have any rust problems anywhere. The pop-up headlights still work, though I see a lot of Probes that are permanently 'up.'
The interior has held up well. The cloth seats are in good shape and don't show wear. The carpets around the driver's feet, though, are a bit worn.
The hatchback set-up with rear folding seats is very usable. I've transported twin sized bed sets with it. About as close to a pickup truck as I'd want.
Overall, it has been very reliable and for the original cost (<$11k US), and cheap maintenance, it owes me nothing. I'll probably drive it until it dies.
12th Jan 2005, 12:49
My probe is about the same it has great acceleration. It also has a decent top speed like 150 mph, is that good enough for you.