I think you'll find they're just as reliable as any Japanese car you can buy for $2,000, and you definitely won't fine anything with near the features for close to that price. Like you say it would be twice the money.
Outside of normal regular maintenance, you need to put a metal-impellar water pump in as soon as you buy it because the OEM's have a strong record of failure from 60k out.
Motor and tranny is good for 250k+ easy with oil changes every 3-5k.
Handling is great and can easily be made fantastic.
Performance is very good (MTX best) and can be easily improved without going into the motor. Exhaust and intake upgrades will net significant improvements. The motors are very strong and there is no need to open them up unless you go to forced-induction. If you want to go that route there are people here making 390 whp w/Turbo
, but 185 whp
is easy with just intake & exhaust.
Also, if you get one, you get to join a group wild and crazy people
.
Good luck.
Regards, Alan
