Why? because as with any car, i take care of it, take care of problems that pop up and not let it get run down. Its a 91 with 209,000 miles on it. The engine has never been apart except for a new timing chain and gears this month. They actually only failed because they had worn out as well.
It has had one axle finally replaced this year because it wore out. Only other "big" thing was a rack and pinion replacement because the seals had worn out. Sure i had calipers/rotors replaced once at 150.000 miles. Some exaust work, but any car will need this stuff in time.
It has also only had one altanator replacement its whole life. Just about everything else is original including transmission. My only complaint is GM made these things so much different than most all other GM's , you cant get used parts for them except from, i think, 3 other GM models. Not saying everything, but most things. Oh, i did replace rear struts because it wouldnt pass state inspection because they were weeping oil a bit.
All in all, at least mine has had a great track record of not being a money pit.
Only nagging problem i ever had was trying to find out why it wanted to lag when accelarating hard, simple, a 6.99 clogged fuel filter. DUH....
Honestly? i have a 89 Z24 in great shape, no rust, nice inside, all i needed to do was slap a new set of head gaskets on it, transfer my tags to it and run it and park the lumi.. The Z is a nicer looking car than my 4 dr lumi, it is faster too...
BUT... Guess what i am still running, yes the Lumi.
Why? i dunno, probably the track record it has of being dependable. Sorta the old "if it isnt broke, dont fix it" saying. SO now the Z sits in the garage waiting on me to get around to fixing it, which i will, eventually.
I am the 3rd owner of this Lumi, bought it at 125,000 miles for 100.00. Just cant see as good as its been, trading off for another. Sure there were times i wanted to set it on fire, and times i wouldnt trade it for anything, but that all comes with owing a car..