Faults:

At 85,000 the ignition control module died.

At around 100,000 miles I had a roll pin slip out of the shift linkage in the transmission.

All other expenses have been maintenance items.

General Comments:

I bought this used in 1999, looking for something to replace my skittish and sluggish rear-drive early 90's Cougar. I expected to keep the vr4 for 2 or 3 years. I still haven't found a better car.

These are amazingly capable, solid cars. If you're looking for a used 3000 (the only kind) spend the extra couple of bucks and get a vr4. Performance is competitive even today, 12 years on. Strong acceleration and amazing brakes, especially for a 3800lb vehicle.

If I have any complaint, it's that the car is too competent. No matter how hard you push it, it seems to take it all in stride. With all wheel drive, I slap snow tires on it and cruise all winter. I've driven it without so much as a fishtail in conditions that were leaving SUVs on the side of the road. The braking is cartoonishly fast. For a 5 second car it's almost boring.

Problems have been minor to insignificant, especially when compared to other high performance vehicles. Maybe I just got lucky, but 120,000 miles on and the car still purrs.

The only truly annoying problem I ever had was with a dealer. I took the car in, and later in the afternoon they called to ask how to disable the after-market alarm system. Since the alarm system was stock, I told them to read the shop manual. I decided to avoid that dealer from then on.

Faults:

ABS system motor stays on after ignition is cut off. ABS system relay can be pulled for a day or two and reinstalled and the problem will go away for a few months.

Idle Control Speed (ISC) unit in the throttle body failed and lead to poor idle and stalling.

Electrical cooling fan resistor failed.

Rear wiper switch broken due to a poor design of plastic parts used on a pivot point.

Valve guides failed and lead to oil burning ($800) repair.

Electronic suspension went to firm setting by default when actuator in one strut failed ($550 to fix).

Infinity radio amplifier failed.

Passenger window electric motor fails to work once in a blue moon.

CD changer stopped reading Cds.

General Comments:

This car is a nice model to own only for an enthusiast who likes the unique wide and low body style of the 3000GT. VR4 models are even more expensive to own because they have AWD, electronic climate control, etc.

NEVER buy one in bad shape in hopes of doing a "fix up". The parts are expensive for these cars and they require more and more care as they get older and out of warranty.

If you are looking for a sporty looking and fun to drive car it's for you. If you want cheap transportation STAY AWAY!

This car is also not well suited for urban areas with heavy traffic. It's a heavy car and kind of sluggish to use in stop and go driving. It's a dream on the interstate though.

I would buy another Mits car, but I'd expect to spend more $$$$ on things this time. My old Toyota Celica was a cheap car to own.