Yep, people buy these because they're cheap and fast, not because they're reliable.

But keep them because they get under your skin and warm your cockles

If looked after they are perfectly reliable.

Great cars!

I'm amazed that nobody has mentioned this yet - belts are due to be done again

Echoing previous comment, these cars can be VERY reliable, but not in the same way as modern cars. The current crop of German stuff hardly ever needs the bonnet lifting between services (which are at least twice as long as a Coupe). With the Coupe you HAVE to maintain it - check the oil and fluids weekly. Replace anything as soon as it needs it, not when it fails. Look after it and it'll look after you.

I was talking to Roy Howard on Saturday - his 20vt is now at 280,000 miles. My own engine is probably at a similar mileage (although it has been rebuilt a couple of times) - they can be very good, but you must invest in good maintenance with good quality parts

Well said Nigel

give the car the love it deserves and keep on top of the maintenance in return it will look after you.