30th Apr 2005, 00:39
In reply to the individual who asked if my previous vehicle was a MOPED, on the contrary. My previous cars were Chrysler 300, Olds 88, Pontiac GTO, Pontiac Grand Prix, Ford Thunderbird, and Ford Ranger XLT. My '93 Metro gets high marks simply because it is uniquely reliable, the bucket seats were designed for comfort more than "style", and it is so economical to drive and maintain. As meticulous as I am about maintaining my vehicles, I have NEVER owned a car (before the Metro) that lasted for 200,000+ miles without needing some sort of engine repair. I am confident it will make it to 300K. Also, if your comment about the "moped" is in reference to the small 61 cubic inch motor, think again. It will smoke the tires any time I want it to. Basically, it's a matter of priorities. I no longer belong to the school of thought that I require 300 horsepower to transport me. I have another air-conditioned Metro as well (a '95 LSI). I have a bumper sticker in each that reads: "Laugh all you want. 54 mpg amuses me too."
3rd Nov 2005, 02:09
As the author of the sticker, I made my own using my computer. Taped one inside the back window of each Metro. So actually, it's a home-made sticker. It's the weirdest thing, though. Most people got a good laugh out of it, and a few others actually showed an emotionally-charged animosity over it, I guess, because the fuel prices are kind of a sensitive issue. Fills 'em with rage. I finally decided to remove them for the sake of protecting my property. The ones that reacted negatively, strangely enough, tended to be types that choose to drive a huge, gas-guzzling 4 x 4 pickup with a big bad dog in the back. What's up with that? Do they feel their image is threatened by the changing times?
I've driven Metro's since gas was around a buck a gallon. I'm 6'2", 200 lbs bare butt naked, and I've never felt like I had to prove anything to anybody.
Enjoy your Metro's!
4th Nov 2005, 03:30
My 1994 4 door Metro is very reliable and economical. It's fun to drive and easy to park. It is however, kinda embarrassing to own! Ned Flanders (the Simpson's neighbor) owns one and seems like a typical Metro owner.
I drive defensively in this tiny car. I fear I may die if hit in this car, as it doesn't even have a driver's air bag.
Why do so many people claim to change oil and filter every 2,000 or 3,000 miles, when the owner's manual suggests changing them every 7,500 miles? The engine will outlast the rest of this car.
I'm thinking about buying a real car like the 2006 Honda Civic, but it's tough to dump a Metro that won't quit.
5th Nov 2005, 00:56
I wouldn't worry too much about the Ned Flanders stereotype. I'd be more embarrassed and ashamed paying $90 to fill up a gas-guzzler! Personally, I've always bucked the trend, whatever it may be, and have enjoyed being a free spirit all my life. I am, however, intrigued about the concept of using hydrogen as an automotive fuel. But that's a whole different story. And regarding changing the oil every 2,000 to 3,000 miles... It's just a little favor I do for any car I own. I know I don't have to do it, but it just stands to reason, the newer the oil, the less wear on the engine. Maybe that's the reason I haven't had any engine problems. And your concern about getting hit is a concern I share with you. Guess we can't have it both ways. I look at it this way. They're safer than riding a cycle, and they tend to be more fuel efficient, too. I own several Metro's and I believe the later body style ('95 & up) to be the stronger design. I could be wrong, but the door posts seem beefier, as well as the doors, fenders and hood. I try to drive defensively, no matter what vehicle I'm driving. You have to assume that the oncoming car may drift over in your lane. Another thing I've done ever since I began driving 40 years ago, is when I come to a green light, I look both ways as I approach the intersection. That habit has saved me more than once. Knock on wood, have never had an accident.
2nd Apr 2006, 15:18
I considered adding a 1.5 inch pipe steel cage to my 93 XFI to protect from front and side collisions, but I haven't done it yet since it might bring down my MPG too much and be totally insane.
-Dave, Toledo, OH
19th Feb 2009, 18:41
I own a 1993 Geo metro convertible! Awesome car!!
It has 76000 original miles. I bought it with 64k.
The car is amazing. I average around 43-46 mpg on the highway. During the high gas prices of last year, it cost me 20 dollars a week. Now with prices so low, around 8 dollars.
I only drive it 3 seasons a year. No rust and let's keep it that way.
My car has a 5sp A/C AM/FM/cassette/CD from the factory.
I had to replace the head due to rough idling. The car when I bought it was hardly used.
The exhaust valves tend to burn up over time. It cost me around 1300 for the repair, but it was worth every penny, it cured the idle issue.
I had to put some money into it when I bought it.
People always lie on ebay. Now that everything is fixed, it's been so reliable over the last 2 years!
Remember, if you want to buy one and it idles rough, just know what it will cost you. You will get a small vibration, that's normal, it's a 3 cyl.
But if it's a stronger vibration, chances are it's the head.
7th Apr 2005, 21:24
Some might consider this an ideal vehicle, however I lost a close friend when his Metro was struck by a shopping trolley at Tesco.