1995 Geo Metro Base review from North America

Smokes intermittently - inexplicably will start puffing a huge cloud of smoke on the same part of the freeway on the way home... but stops after a few minutes & I can't get it to smoke any other time - when starting, idling, high-revving, etc., runs great. There was a little oil in the air cleaner, so I don't know if the PCV valve is out or what.

Speedo/odometer/trip meter quit about 2 days after I bought the car. Have checked all the fuses, & the speedo cable didn't squeak before it quit - it just suddenly died.

Starter clicks 10-15 times before the car will start. Previous owner stated that several starters were installed, most recently in 6/06, but problem persists. Starter and solenoid are on one assembly.

Temp gauge fluctuates wildly... will be at near 0 most of the time, then jump to half or more. Both radiator hoses get hot & the car doesn't overheat.

Check Engine light on - Code 42: I replaced the pickup coil, distributor cap, rotor, plugs & wires, & reset the computer. Light went off.

AC compressor out.

Hood doesn't close right.

Cigar lighter not working; fuse intact.

Stereo shuts off at moderate volume.

Loses power appreciably on hills; I've had to go all the way down to 3rd gear on occasion. This could be par for the course for a small engine & not a defect.

I drive about 110 miles a day & wanted a super-economical ride to get me there. I did my research and checked out this site & found almost all favorable reviews, so I went for it. I love my Geo; it's fun to drive, cute, & surprisingly roomy... I just can't believe how much is wrong with it. It has 115k on it, but supposedly 40k was towed behind a motor home, so it shouldn't be this worn out already.

I do most of my own repairs & I'm open to ideas... if anyone has had similar problems or knows any solutions to these issues, please e-mail me at joeydreamz@yahoo.com or post a comment on this site. Any help would be appreciated.