Faults:

I had very few and generally minor problems with this car.

The thermostat had to be replaced at about 60,000 miles.

The cigarette lighter broke.

My engine was over heating severely- turned out all I needed was a new radiator cap.

One speaker blew, but was never replaced.

At about 150,000 miles the drivers side power window/ lock door console fell inside the door, making the driver unable to operate the windows and locks.

The black paint on my spoiler also started to oxidize and weather- and we really don't see too much severe weather here in Maryland.

General Comments:

I had heard about all the terrible problems I was going to encounter owning this car, but never had any real repairs done. Simple maintenance kept my car running like a top. These cars get a bad rap mainly because of the way people drive them. It is a nice looking car. Performance was definitely a little lack-luster, but could've been easily remedied by opting for the TSi turbo model. I took this car to Rhode Island (800 miles round trip) probably about 8 or 9 times in one year with out any problems at all. If I wouldn't have totalled it I would've continued to drive it until the wheels fell off.

Faults:

Three problems with my Talon:

Starter motor failed at 95,000 - covered under the extended warranty.

Sunroof has squeaked, creaked and groaned since 15,000 - infuriating!

I hated the leather seats, so I bought a set of factory cloth seats - perfect.

General Comments:

Other than an M3, what else compares?

The Talon doesn't handle or stop quite as well, but it does have AWD and a 40% lower price.

There is nothing under $30k that compares, functionally. Claw-hammer reliability, nothing other than routine maintenance and a starter motor in almost 100,000 very hard miles - I don't know what else I could ask for?