Faults:

Replaced a lot of the exhaust.

Replaced the radiator.

Can't afford to get the air conditioning fixed for the 3rd time!

Starter motor solenoid replaced.

It currently has a very small oil leak.

General Comments:

This is my first car, but I swear I am not biased about it. It's a great first car, but if I had more money, I would have bought a newer car. It's never left me stranded anywhere, the things that go wrong just slowly die.

I'd definitely recommend this model (perhaps the 87 though) to a first car buyer. It's cheap to buy, cheap to run, and I've found it cheap to fix. The parts are everywhere, because they are such a popular car.

If I'd had a manual licence, I would also have purchased a manual. The old automatics are really terrible, they stall when cold, and really don't know what they are doing. I think that's really the only problem I've had with the car.

Definitely worth a look.

Faults:

Struts went at about 80,000 miles and cost slightly over $900 back in 1987.

Tires were also expensive, however they were excellent low noise, high traction Firehawk 660's which allowed me to do 65 miles per hour on 35 mile an hour mountain curves. The combination of car and tires could not have been better for cornering. I once did a quick lane change to avoid missing an exit and my rather heavy, Mother was literally lifted off her seat on one side and came back down with a very comical "whoosh". We laughed for 5 minutes!

Alternator cost $215 to replace at a private shop.

Exhaust was also expensive at $202 for muffler and tail pipe, replaced in 1988.

General Comments:

Ample power with a fun electric dash and a very nice sound system for it's time. A pleasure to drive with plenty of trunk space. the sport tuned variable suspension was great with the exception of replacement cost.

Faults:

Clutch and pressure plates, release bearing etc.

Various bulbs.

Rear hydraulic brake lines (rusted, and caused the brakes to fail).

General Comments:

Underpowered, being only 1.6 litres. A good highway car, once it gets going.

Tendency to understeer.

Large turning radius.

Difficult to start in winter (Helsinki weather).