Fuel sending unit in gas tank.
Window mechanism.
Heater/ac switch failure.
Complete ac failure.
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!
I have owned a second hand 1997 Geo Metro hatchback. It had 40,000 miles and I put in 70,000 miles. I have only replaced the alternator belt,installed new muffler and front brakes. In the past 30 years I have owned 35 vehicles (cars, limousine, truck, SUVs and motorhome), but my most favorite is this Geo Metro. I have used it for my daily commute (I am a Surgeon), going for long trips for vacation and even used it for camping. I never had significant problem. I change the oil every 10,000 miles and have tuned it only once. Gas mileage is great (40-50 miles/gallon. I am planning to use it as long as it is repairable-probably until the end of time. I love my Geo!!!
This is too weird. I'm on my second Geo -- the first was a '90 Prism. I now have a '95 Metro sedan.
The Prism had the window issues and the blower switch blew and the A/C died. I just lost the blower switch on the Metro (no A/C). However, a small price to pay for a terrific workhorse of a car! I drove the Prism across country, and returned back with the Metro. I've got almost 100K miles on the Metro and still get 37-40 miles a gallon. Not bad for an 11 year old car.
I've had to replace the muffler and cat converter (usual when you live in an area that salts the roads all winter) and the usual brakes and belts, but nothing major. OK, it's like driving an empty beer can if you hit high winds (a good cross-wind can push me across lanes, if I'm not careful), but when gas was over $3 a gallon this year, all my friends with their gas guzzling SUV's were being a lot more respectful of my little Metro.
97 Geo Metro 4cyl Lsi, 123,000 miles.
Did not tune it up until 120,000 miles, at which time I did all the 100,000 maintenance, timing belt and tune up.
The check engine light had come on just prior to our state's inspection (they won't pass you if the check engine light is one).
The problem was the wiring harness that has something to do with the way the gas and air flow. A known problem with Geo Metros. Had to fix that, as it did make my car die but they found a used one and rigged it together.
Beyond that, I have only had my brakes done and routine oil changes.
I love my car! The color, BTW, is amethyst - the deep purple blue color! I love being able to park it anywhere, that I can do a full turn in the middle of the street - my driver's side window won't go all the way down anymore but that's okay.
Don't use the air that much, not that hot here.
I expect this car to go another 100,000 miles - and am not planning on putting any other money into it. Just looked at the blue book... it's about $700! Worth a few thousand to me! I am a loyal Geo owner and I could drive nearly any car. Now if I could only get my hands on one of those cute Geo Metro convertibles...... (and yes, for $700, wouldn't that be nice!)
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