Faults:

Fuel sending unit in gas tank.

Window mechanism.

Heater/ac switch failure.

Complete ac failure.

General Comments:

I drive a 1997 Metro LSI, four door, with 76,000 miles on it. It is that weird purple-blue color. It has AC, power steering and an AM/FM radio as equipment.

I bought it as an "airport car" as I work at the airport. I paid $3000 for the little beast. While I had a really nice car that I drove on my days off, I increasingly drove the Metro for the fun of it. The Metro ended up being my regular car after I sold my nice car to a relative who needed a newer car quick and cheap. I realized that I drove Metroliner (that's its name) everywhere I went anyway. I have had mine for almost four years now, I have driven it on two trips that were over 350 miles each way. For work, I drove it 125 miles, each way, once or twice a week for two and a half years.

I have exactly the same problems everybody else has. My window tanked last year (thanks to everyone's advice, I am just going to live with it). The AC/heater switch has been slowly failing for the past year as well and only works intermittently (I am going to tear it apart and see if some of the other advice works). The A/C does not blow cold at all. There is a rattling noise coming from the front wheels - most likely the wheel bearings.

I get over 40 MPG on the highway, 25-30 in town. It has started every time I asked it to. I have only done oil changes on the car (every 5000 miles). It has never had a tune up.

I must say, I have owned dozens of car in my life. I grew up on big GMs and Mercedes, I have owned/driven all manner of sports cars, sedans, trucks and SUVs. Cars are my second biggest hobby. I still love my little Metro. I love the jokes people make about it. I like the odd looks people give it. I keep thinking I will buy a new car, but have found nothing I can afford that offers the same balance of practicality, reliability, charm, personality and fun. All of my friends think I am nuts.

I think all us Metro owners should start flashing our lights to each other (like other odd ball car owners do) as a sign of solidarity!

Faults:

Brake booster has failed twice due to an internal vacuum leak.

Heater control fan switch worked only on high speed, I was able to disassemble it and clean the contacts so it works fine now.

Clutch went out (to be expected with high mileage)

Normal maintenance (oil changes, tune ups, timing belt, etc.)

Service engine soon light has come on many times with code P0420 Catalyst System Low Efficiency. I have replaced both oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter ($200 for each sensor... same price whether OEM or aftermarket, another $200 for the aftermarket catalytic converter) and despite the fact the car has received regular maintenance and does not use oil the light continues to come on. This is a problem in my area where emission tests are required and they do check for trouble codes, if you have any codes you fail the test. A technician who said that computer failures are extremely rare in these vehicles quoted about $800 for a computer replacement... apparently it has to be programmed by the dealership when installing since they have the only tools capable of doing that. That appears to be the only thing left that could cause the code to keep returning.

General Comments:

The car is economical and for the most part durable. With 247,000 miles it does not use oil and still runs great, but the cost of some replacement parts can quickly add up to the value of the car. It is one of the easiest newer vehicles to work on yourself. However, I wish I had one built before a scan tool was required for obtaining trouble codes as repair shops will not even look at a service engine soon light for less than $80.00 each time. Not to mention O2 sensors are also cheaper and only one is used.