To echo 80tapacecar, the cars are misunderstood and most put them down based on hearsay, not experience. I have owned a couple and will own another someday. Even as builders, the 81 TA's should be recognized as a better base due to the fact that they had better shells than earlier cars due to advances in rust preventatives and better seam sealers. Most had 4 wheel disk brakes as well, another plus. As often happens the early technology was not allowed to reach it's full potential and as such, the cars got a bad rap. Check out 301garage to see what Turbos are capable of today, now that enthusiast have been able to collaborate over the Internet.
as far as reliability, I have found them to be no less reliable than any other car as long as both were maintained equally. As with any engine, it must be maintained within it's guidelines. You cannot treat a turbo car the same as you would a 403, nor should you.
