Hello from Arkansas

[Dunkler]

Hey guys, my name is Mike and I live in Arkansas. I have been visiting this site off and on for a while now, but decided to join today. I currently drive a 1994 Ford F-150 2WD, long wheelbase. At $3.45/gal here, I need something that doesn't cost me over $100/week to drive back and forth to work in.

What I am considering:

I eyeballed a 1996 Geo Metro on the side of the road to day and went to test drive it. Tell me what you guys think about this.

It is the 1.3 liter 4 cylinder. It has the 3 speed automatic transmission, but it doesn't operate properly, requiring the driver to manually shift from 1st to 2nd to 3rd(Drive). The breaks need to be replaced. Other than that, it drives well. The guy is asking $1,300 for it. Please give me some feedback as to whether or not it would be worth it.

Thanks guys

[MGB=MPG]

Howdy Arkansas

im a UA Grad from last century .. i too drive a HOG,, 93 Ford Bronco ,,
but have an old MGB that squeezes fuel pretty good .

used price on those fuel squeezers is gonna go up i bet.
but $1300 for a machine starts and runs sounds ,, OK..
the tranny question sounds problematical but maybe just a fluid and filter change and some snake oil would heal it..

little old cars are just like any old car , its gonna need some TLC and lots of wore out soft parts , [fuel lines , brake lines etal]

i bet there are many here run that or similar equipment and can assist you.

a 5 speed manual would be better but one gets what is available ..

just responding to a Fellow Arky and offering Moral support


heres the window sticker on that thing..

good luck

[Dunkler]

Hey MGB, thanks for the info. My plans are for extensive modification if I do pick this Metro up. I was going to first and foremost remove everything with any weight to it (seats, sound dampening material, etc.) Would a goal of 50mpg be realistic for this particular vehicle?

[euromodder]

The automatic isn't the Magic Metro.
Look for the 1.0 3cylinder XFi if you want to beat 50mpg.

[Clev]

How comfortable are you with an auto-to-manual swap? The 1.3L with the 5-speed can easily beat 40 mpg.

[blade]

welcome to em

[JMac]

Welcome. Did you pick up that Metro? I don't like the transmission thing, and you should definitely look up the Blue Book value, or start by offering the guy 2/3 of what he asks if you do decide to buy it. Talk about all the things that are wrong with it before you make your offer too. I learned a good bit about haggling when I was in a West-African market last summer. Keep us informed.

JMac

[Weather Spotter]

Welcome to EM. Have you looked through our wiki of car mods to see what you can do with your car/ what you want to buy?

Car MPG Efficiency Modifications Main - EcoModder