I have a 1988 Hyundai Excel with 285,000 miles on it. The only major problem was having the transmission changed. I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles. Car has a few minor problems but nothing that wouldn't be expected of a car this age.
You're just lucky. I bought a new '89 Excel hatchback, and strictly followed all the maintenance schedules. Despite that, the engine had several catastrophic failures due to poor metallurgy and parts breakage. The plastics throughout the car were the worst I've ever seen. Some plastic replacement parts would fail after just 6 months!