The basic problem with those little cars wasn't so much their poor design (it was bad, but based on the solid VW Rabbit subframe) there was almost no parts distribution network for them, and a very limited number of authorized dealerships/repair facilities. So getting replacement parts for simple things like alternators and brake rotors was next to impossible. There was no working dealership interlink network, no regional parts wholesale distributorships or suppliers or vendors, and almost no authorized aftermarket repair facilities! Of course, there was also no internet back then either, so that may have been part of the problem they had establishing those critical parts supply links, but good luck finding replacement parts to fix the myriad of issues those little cheap cars inevitably came infected with. It was a nightmare, and part of the reason they were rendered essentially worthless once in aftermarket.
