I love my Bessie Lou. She's a good car, but she has given me heartache for the last couple of years. My car is ten going on eleven years old.
In 2004 the A/C stopped working. And it hasn't worked since.
In early 2007 I had to replace my transmission and clutch. It literally just killed at a red light one day.
In 2008 I had to replace the catalytic converter.
Right now it's idling really hard and I'm trying to figure out why. I am going to check on my spark plugs to see if it's that. (I've never replaced them since buying the car :( OOPS!) And I've had to replace my exhaust pipe twice. They rusted through and fall off.
Other than those major repairs, the paint has done well with not peeling like I've seen on other Metros, but it's dull. I can't bring any more life into the paint. I do have a couple rust spots on it, but only on the corner of the doors.
The interior carpet on the drivers side has completely come up and it won't stay down.
The dashboard lights for the AC/heat don't always come on. I sometimes have to move a couple of buttons hard and they come back on. I don't notice it so much in the summer because I don't use the A/C and it's bright outside.
Even with the problems I've had with the car, I would recommend this car to people. My mom bought the car in 1999 and I inherited it a couple years back. She's a good car. I've driven her all around Maryland and DC. I have gone to many jobs and school with this car. She's seen some road.
I think I am going to have to retire her soon, since I think the engine is getting a bit old and it's not handling as well as it used to.
If you liked your Metro, you should check out a Honda Fit. They are a bit more reliable (likely not to have any repairs withing the first 5-6 years). Just regular maintenance (like oil changes, filter replacements, and suggested manufacturer things like the 60k mile checkup) and these cars keep you going down the road with a smile. Or, you may want a small 4-door car and the Civic is a great car to get around in!
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