A good example of time-related issues would be if the instrument panel, particularly the PRNDL indicator, fails.
If you have to deal with emissions inspections the early OBD-II system won't do you any favors. Better to get a 95 or older.
The transmission "failure" is a firm 2-3 shift, IIRC, but it's "fixed" by a valve-body shift kit.
It's an ok car, albeit extraordinarily boring. I 2nd the idea of protecting the rocker panels-- probably should get oil sprayed inside them somehow, even if it means drilling holes and plugging them. Cover the brake/fuel lines, they are made of untreated steel that rots incredibly fast.