+1, I got rid of my '97 coupe at 135k miles because I figured it was just a matter of time before the trans, wheel bearings, etc. would all need replaced.
My upper coolant elbow was leaking pretty bad at about 125k, and like mentioned above, it's an easy fix despite the dumbass engineering that makes it more complicated than it has to be.
As far as modding, it doesn't cost a whole lot to run 13's. But if you want to run 12's or faster you'll be spending quite a bit, and it's not really worth it IMO unless you've got money to blow. Although they make practical/excellent/fun daily drivers, even when stock.