I may have the opportunity to buy a 1990 or 1991 442 (Calais), but not sure of the year.

Are they good, reliable cars?

What are the known issues with them? Are they expensive to maintain?

 

I remember those when they were new...pretty slick looking. Of course being 15-16 at the time, I wanted one in the worst way! Should be fairly reliable I would think.

 

the biggest issue you will have is the head gasket. i love these Quad 4 engines but have to admit they can have a head gasket problem. if you have good mechanical knowledge you can change them yourself. i have done it and if you take your time it is not that hard. there is plenty of room to work on everything. other than that they are good cars. i have never had any issue with my Quad 442 W41 but i don't drive it that much. the head gasket thing is less of an issue if you don't let the engine lug real bad. keep the RPMs up and it should be fine. the harder you run them the longer they last. just keep good oil in it like Mobil One. don't ask your local shop about it because they will tell you they are junk, that it because they do not understand this engine.

the only other thing, do not put slicks on the front and do wheelies in reverse. you will brake the reverse gear! we was doing this in a Beretta GTZ that had the high output quad 4. it will pull a wheelie but you will break the transmission. by the way, do you want to buy a Beretta GTZ with a bad trans?

 

they also get 28 to 31 miles per gallon. i love these cars. if you get it post some ppictures.

 

i do not know about the W-40 but the W-41 will smoke a 5 litter mustang. people don't like to hear it but they are quicker than the 83/84 H/O and 85 to 87 442.

 

Had one with a 5 speed and the rallye gauge pack, + all the factory options I could jam into it. (It was a factory order car that I sat down and ordered with a sales guy - it was probably the only one of it's kind built with all the doo dads and a manual tranny) As said by Jensracing - it was a real fuel miser. I got way better than 30 - closer to 37+ with the stick). Highway was even better with the 5 speed. That car could really kick *** if you wanted; for a 4 banger of the day, it had guts. Only problem I ever had was a safety neutral switch wire came off. Other than that, it was a wonderful little car. That's why I sold it. It was little and I was on the hunt for a new 98. I'd recommend the Calais to anyone who wants to buy it. Only thing is, try and find out if the previous owners did routine maintenance (if you can).