Faults:

Clutch, tie rods, and the slave cylinder all needed to be replaced when I bought the car.

CV boots and axles went bad at 104,000 miles.

Repair costs will outweigh the cost of the car over time.

Master cylinder failed 200 miles later after clutch was replaced.

Tires and alignment have been an issue with this car since I bought it.

Idle speed control motor has failed, which will not allow you to drive the car with the AC on.

Head gasket failed at 105,211 miles.

Parts are way too expensive and cheaply made. It cost me $135 for a valve cover.

General Comments:

The main point I have to make is that I did not do my research before I bought this car, and it was abused.

My previous car was a 130,000 mile 1986 S10 Blazer 4x4 with the 2.8, which was a dog to say the least. So, buying the talon was a big change to me, since I never had style or speed with the blazer.

I fell in love with this car the moment I saw it. I didn't even bother to open the hood, or check to see what needed to be done. I was just a stupid kid who wanted something that looked cool, had a 5 speed, and had a price tag I could afford.

Despite all of its problems, I still love this car and can't seem to let it go.

Its crisp handling, comfortable interior, and the 5 speed manual bring a smile to my face every time I drive it.

It is very easy to work on this car, and anyone can easily do jobs such as replacing the head gasket.

It still is a quick car for only having the 1.8 liter engine, but it cannot begin to compare to the 2.0 turbo model.

If you want speed and neck-snapping performance, go with the 2.0 turbo, but if you want reliability look somewhere else.

If you want some performance and great fuel economy, this is a great car to start with. Reliability can go both ways, but most 1.8 models last to 200,000 miles.

Faults:

First off, I did no modifications on this car. And there were none when I purchased the car.

The car was lowered (about 2"), and that made it handle even better. However I would not advise lowering this particular vehicle. It was not slammed, I could have the front bumper over a common parking curb stop, but you had to be REALLY careful driving into parking areas and speed bumps. The exhaust scrapes on everything. Lowering also makes the rear wheels camber, wearing out your rubber quicker. Don't bother, the car handles good enough stock.

The idle was surging between 900 RPM and 1500 RPM (only when engine was warm). This is a common problem with this vehicle. Very annoying. I just lived with it.

The timing belt needs to be changed at ridiculously short intervals (big bucks to do). I bought mine when it was just changed. If you don't change it, your engine is toast. Most vehicles will not self destruct when their timing belts go, you just have to replace the belt and off you go (ie. Honda Civic). Good peace of mind.

The gas mileage was equivalent to a six cylinder vehicle. OK, but not great (21 MPG city). NOTE: You must put premium gas in this car, and with today's high gas prices, well, you do the math.

I had to replace the clutch (expensive compared to other vehicles), master and slave cylinders. It was the punk that owned the car before me. I never launched my car or abused it.

I had a five speed transmission. First to second gear was rough and grindy. Yet another common problem with this vehicle.

There were some oil leaks on the car (oil pump gasket and cam shaft seals). But it did not burn oil.

The power sun roof leaked, and would not open all the way.

The power mirrors died.

The alternator and battery packed in.

All 4 CV boots on the front axles tore due to age.

The key-less entry power locks would occasionally malfunction.

The power locks would freeze in cold or frosty conditions. This made getting into your car even more enjoyable first thing in the morning, on a cold winter day.

Frost on the inside of the glass?

The transfer case clunked sometimes when reversing (yes, the seal was replaced by the recall).

The air-conditioning worked, but made the car work really hard and idle even worse.

The car hated the cold weather.

The car's interior was great for me, but not good for tall or larger people.

General Comments:

This car is everything you could possibly ask for in a performance car, all for a low initial buying price. Since this car was all wheel drive, it handled like it was on rails. And was a pleasure to drive in the rain and snow.

The turbo was strong, but has noticeable turbo lag. Turbo kicked in at around 3500 RPM (and only then).

The bottom line is that every time I saved up money in the bank, it went to my car. I just loved the car too much, it was way too much fun to drive. But enough was enough, and I got rid of it, with no regrets whatsoever.

Unless you are mechanically versed in these vehicles and have the time to search out the parts and repair these cars (because they need it), or you are rich (or have rich parents), do not buy this car.

Maybe the front wheel drive Talons are good; I don't know. But a co-worker of mine owns a 1996 AWD TSI, and when I asked him if he had any troubles with the car, the expression on his face said it all. Oh yes, he had a whole lot of problems too. I guess they are good cars when new. But good luck finding a well kept, second hand, 5 speed.