I can attest to that engine being smoother than smooth. Mine had some crazy amount of miles on it and it still was purring like a kitten. I wish I had mine when it was newer. I sort of came to it at the end of it's life. It needed a transmission overhaul really bad, and the gas mileage was crap and a pain in my poor wallet but other than that I loved that car. I now drive a Saturn... and it's... well it's pretty sad... lol.