I would like to report a pattern of small (but annoying) complaints with the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire I recently owned. I state "recently owned" because I gratefully traded it in last week with just 56,234 miles on it on a new 2006 Subaru impreza. I bought the Pontiac new in 2000 and cared for it up until recently, when problems began cropping up on it like snowflakes in a blizzard. My Sunfire ran well until about six month ago when I began to notice a burning oil smell from its vents. It turned out that it needed a new valve cover gasket that was causing a minor oil leak. Its exhaust system was also beginning to rust out. However, recently, a few lights on the dash cluster that illuminated the car's tachometer and shifter console went out-no reason given-garage said it would be a difficult repair. Then, about two weeks ago, the digital odometer began to go blank and show symbols. I had had enough, so I traded it in last week (after revealing to the dealer the problems that it had). I hope they can fix it up and provide it with a new owner-it was a nice car, but I don't think a car should begin to wear out that quickly-my previous car, a 1993 Ford escort bought new, lasted me for over 120,000 miles before I traded it in on the Pontiac. Again, GM needs to look into its quality-no wonder they are losing customers (like me) to foreign car companies.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

I have had my vehicle in for brake repair several times in the past 3 1/2 yrs. At least 5-7 times. My car is now experiencing several electrical problems with a plug under the harness and with the computer system and wiring. My car will not start for several days and then it will start, only to breakdown again when it heats up. It has also cut off while I was driving 70 mph on the expressway.it has been towed 3 times in three weeks for repair due to these problems. I've spent several hundred dollars trying to fix these problems and nothing seems to work. The plug under the harness was melting through my back floorboard, melting my carpet with the potential to catch on fire. I was informed by the service men that I'm experiencing computer and wiring problems. They advised me to contact my insurance company regarding totaling my car out because it has great potential to catch on fire. I contacted GM's customer assistance center regarding all of the problems I'm having and they are not willing to help due to my car being 3 1/2 yrs. Old. There have been several other small issues with this vehicle, but this car is very dangerous and I cannot afford to keep wasting money on repairs. I think a car should last more than 3 1/2 yrs! July 26th 2003 was the last tow date and it's still in the shop. Can you help?

- St. Clair, MI, USA

When driving headlights, and everything in dashboard completely shutdown. Vehicle has been to repair garage a total of seven times for an electical problem. However, problem has not been remedied as of yet.

- Friendship, ME, USA

While driving the consumer noticed flames coming from vent house under the dash. Drivers vehicle was totalled. Consumer also stated the vehicle had numerous radios that failed and were replaced by the dealership which had two computer fuses and other problems related to the electrical system.

- St. Charles, MO, USA