Faults:

I had bought this car used back in 03.

After a year of ownership and 31,000 miles on the odometer, I had to replace the following:

1. Computer.

2. Fuel pump.

3. Tires, all 4.

4. Front windshield, bad scratch blocking driver's view.

The car ran good for the next 6 years with no problems.

2009 to present:

1. Replaced the ignition coil housing twice.

2. All 4 struts twice. First ones I replaced rusted out in 6 months.

3. Sway bar links/bushings.

4. Catalytic converter twice.

5. Resonator.

6. Fuel pump replaced again.

7. Brakes/rotors.

8. Ignition coil, both packs.

9. Ignition modulator.

10. Hazard signal switch twice; was causing my turn signals not to work. Back speaker blew out.

11. Spark plugs and boots. Evap valve 4 times.

General Comments:

The engine sounds and feels strong, but now I have a coolant leak.

The transmission is strong.

My service vehicle soon light comes on for a while, then turns off. I think it is the ignition switch.

And the rear quarter panels are rusted out.

Faults:

Started out great and we absolutely loved it! But the love affair soon ended.

Knob for heat/AC broke off two years in.

Security system failed; $500.00 to fix (learned how to deal with that on our own since it continues to happen).

Head gasket blew at 70,000 miles.

Brakes wear quickly.

Heater relay replaced in 2010.

Flasher relay causes off and on ticking.

Power seat on driver's side.

Faded paint.

Power steering repaired at 80,000 miles and 90,000 miles.

General Comments:

The wide tires may look good, but they're terrible in the snow.

On a good note, the seats are comfortable and there's plenty of head room.

Faults:

Head gasket replaced.

Intake gasket replaced.

Catalytic converter replaced.

EGR valve replaced.

Crank position sensor replaced.

Brakes wear too fast.

Wheels needed replaced at 130000 miles.

Paint fades fairly fast.

Speakers blew.

Monsoon radio wasn't very good, so it was replaced.

Thermostat needs replaced every 3000-5000 miles.

Transmission had to be replaced.

Coolant hoses had to be replaced.

Air conditioning went out.

General Comments:

The car is a money pit. Wouldn't recommend it at all. Gets roughly 20 mpg.

When it runs it's not a bad car, but it rarely is in tip top shape.

Don't buy into the "if you take care of the car, it will run forever" myth. Some cars are just crappy. I have regularly maintained my car (synthetic oil and air filter every 3k miles), but that didn't help at all. Stuff broke every other day on it.

On the positive, it's fairly roomy, comfortable, and looks and feels fairly sporty for what it is. If you're looking at this car to save money, have a gas getter, looking for a first car, or any other reason, look elsewhere, because you will be stuck on the side of the road. Spending more on a nicer car will be worth it.

Faults:

Bought this car new in 2000. Intake manifold gaskets blew at 60,000 km. Were replaced under warranty.

Replaced flasher relay 4 times (for continuous clicking), headlight/w/washer switch on steering column twice and the heater relay (only worked on speed 3-5 once).

After 11 years, still on original rear disc brakes, and only replaced the front pads & rotors once so far. Driver's side window regulator with motor replaced once.

I replaced the LED display bulb in the radio myself for $10.00; bulb from the dealer. Touch wood, that's the only radio problem.

Fortunately, being in the wholesale auto parts business for 40 years, I have been able to procure inexpensive parts.

Dealer wanted $880 retail for an electric window regulator, which I was able to procure new for $150.

General Comments:

I have only owned 3 cars since 1967, all being Pontiac Parisienne. I have spent more on this car for repair than the other 2 combined. I buy new and drive them for 18 years or so until they are worth $000.00 on a trade in.