Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior
The body of the model is only partially galvanized, and unprotected areas quickly rust. Rust often occurs under the floor, on suspension parts, and on the exhaust system. The interior is nice but made of rigid plastic and often squeaks during turns. Additionally, electrical issues frequently occur in this car.
Engine
All gasoline engines are quite reliable and can last a long time with proper maintenance. Weak points include the electrical system, auxiliary equipment, and the exhaust manifold. It is also important to carefully monitor the condition of the timing belt and coolant leaks.
Transmission
There are many complaints about the manual gearbox, as it is not particularly reliable. In the early years of production, the bearings of the primary shaft did not last long. The automatic transmission is decent as it is a clone of the Mitsubishi automatic transmission.
Suspension
The suspension does not have a long lifespan, but spare parts are inexpensive and widely available. The stabilizer struts, wheel bearings, and ball joints do not last very long. Additionally, this model has a very low load capacity, so it is best not to overload it.
Steering
There are no major issues with the steering system, and only the tie rod ends are often replaced.