My crystal could save but it was... odd. It had glitches because it wasn't legit - a 2-in-1 game pak with 'pokemon diamond' (and not the 4th gen one, but a pirated version of what is also known as 'telefang'... good confusing fun).
Yah I could change the day by viewing the map or flying for instance. XD
Lugia ftw! I liked all the Johto starters, but Feraligatr is my favourite of them all.