I own 3 each (1988 Coupe L, 1988 Sedan L & 1990 Coupe L) and do ALL of my maintenance as I was a Lubrication Engineer with Texaco and simply enjoy twisting wrenches. Items to be aware of:
Timing belt - needs to be replaced every 90,000 miles; it's an "interference" engine and will self destruct if the belt breaks causing valves and pistons to "interfere". The job is ~$1,000 US if you have it done and a somewhat laborious job if you do it yourself. Parts run ~$165.00 US for timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump & 3 each assessor belts.
Transmission - Need to change fluid every 30,000 miles so that wear metals do not accumulate and stick the shift solenoids. If transmission is slow to shift or engine rev's between a gear they have become fouled as they are magnetic and attract wear metals. Easy to fix by removing them (they are on outside of transmission), flushing with WD 40 and a 3/16 drill bit "butt" end (been there, done that).
The constant velocity (CV) axle "half-shaft" boots fail ~every 100,000 miles; this is true of all front wheel drive vehicles and cost for new ones is ~$65.00 US.
If you have more questions send an email to "[email protected]".
