Might possibly join the Metro craze...
 

So lately I've been getting the itch to get myself a 4 wheeled commuter because my new job will require lots of driving (medical sales). I was hoping i could do this with my already efficient 90mpg Ninja 250 motorcycle, but i don't think that will cut it for this type of field.

I found this 1991 Metro located somewhere in my town.
1991 Geo Metro

It is owned by a lady who does not really know what is wrong with the exhaust, nor does she really know what the problem is with the starting. 260,000 miles is a lot of miles for a car, but considering its 19 years old, that equates to about 14,000mile a year.... which means it was a commuter car. Its a 3cyl 1.0L 5 speed car (doubt its the XFI). Shes asking 500 o/b/o, and i know that is pretty high for what she is selling.

To me, it sounds kind of fishy that the car was "just" tuned up with new clutch, battery, and brakes, yet there is a starting problem. She blames the alternator, but as long as the battery is charged the car should start fine.

I just wanted to know what you metro wrenchers think about this prospective purchase. What do you guys think the car is worth?

Even if you replace the whole drive train (engine and tranny) it seems like you would end up with a sub $1,000 car, that is if you had to pay someone else to do the work, at least that is the case around here as you can get good low mile engines for around $100 and trannys for about the same, $300 to pay someone to remove and replace them... so as long as the body is good I say go for it!

I paid $450 for mine. '89 with 170K. It needed everything....and still asks for more. Do I have any regrets? NO!!! I've put 20K miles on it in less than one year and it does exactly what I ask it to do (take me to work. giddyup. take me home.). Any and all repairs are much cheaper than anyone I know with a monthly car payment. This car is ugly (paint, and dented hood) but I don't care. With the cold weather I'm coming out of a mid 60MPG run. Felt nice. I can't wait till next summer when I can push it back up.

Oh man, it is a white one. I always wanted a white one. buy it!!! Even if you replace everything like I did you will be ahead soon enough. It's been a great car...for me.

i bought a beautiful 26yr old accord and concur with everything doviatt said.

If it doesn't start with a jump, I'd offer $100. Could have low compression or a burned exhaust valve with that kind of mileage. A compression test wouldn't be a bad idea.

Check all around the front control arm mounts very carefully. I've seen them rot out in 3 different places. Most common are the "loops" that the front bushing bracket bolts to. But I have one that is rotten and flexing well above that area and another that rotted around the rear bushings. A front wheel pushed back towards the rear of the car is a very bad sign. Badly or unevenly worn front tires is a bad sign too. And so is pulling one way when accelerating and the other way while braking is bad too. Run away if it does that!

Is it worth $500? Not to me. But I got a '94 Metro that spent its life in Florida for $150. :D And a lot of free ones that died from rust issues.

Is the car really 260,000 miles or could it be 160,000. Mine doesn't have the 100k digit to show this. Maybe mine has 100k more than I thought.

Good points on checking out for rust and such.

Wont start....wont turn over? check the usual battery, cables, starter, ignition switch. I had a recent issue where my new alternator wouldn't charge my new battery...ended up being a bad wire between alt and battery. Installed a new cable direct and no more probelems.
Wont run? check timing belt? I lost mine just a few months ago. Not bad to replace by yourself.

Has any of this helped in your decision? Where are you leaning?

First thing to do is check out the Buyer's Guide...........
Geo Metro Buyer's Guide

Make sure the chassis is solid before buying it. The other issues can all be worked out. Even if you have to rebuild the entire engine, you will have a 50 MPG machine for under $1000.00 invested if you do the work. I did this twice!

Need proof? Here ya go.........

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ject-2936.html

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...etro-9810.html

Wanna sell your bike? :)

I should be getting an insurance check here soon... I might be looking to buy a street bike... unless I can get this diesel Cushman that I'm looking at.