1989 Rover - Austin Metro GTa from UK and Ireland - Comments

Absolutely nothing - this car goes on and on. Of course there has been the odd belt change etc.

I've had this car since I was 17 and it's got to be the most fun for that sort of money. This is a first car must if you can get a good one.

The grip is exceptional and very predictable. There is plenty of fun to be had, especially on roundabouts!

The tyre size is awkward as is finding tuning parts etc, but if you persist, they are there to be had.

The sound proofing on them is pretty good as well, so you can fit a decent stereo!

I can't believe that you think that an A series lump is reliable and as fast as you make out.

PS, has the rot kicked in yet? (if not start to worry as it's on the way!!!!!!!!)

I also own an '89 Metro GTA. Most cars its age have rust or have needed welding. My car hasn't got any! And it is a very quick little car and the handling is second to none. There's only one drawback, I can't find a single bit of tuning around.

Thinking about purchasing a GTa as a second car - my current being a Nova SR. The reason? Tuning parts are EVERYHWERE and are dirt cheap i.e. £55 for a cam kit - jeez it's the A-Series engine and can be made to shove out more power than a Nova GTE for a few hundred squids. Tuning parts hard to find? Not really after 40 years of development in the Mini. Assuming you ain't got a K-Series engined job.

Where exactly do I find the tuning parts and how much do they cost. I'm only 19 and was wondering about the cost of insurance? Someone help. I am also considering polishing the head etc. Any advice would be appreciated (I originally wrote this article).

For tuning parts try www.needforspeed.co.uk, or www.speedgenie.co.uk and then take the avonbar link.

I too have a Metro 1.1 and it's quite nippy. Even my mate in a done up Fiesta thought so...

I think that the metro is an under rated car as I have a 1.3 and it is very nippy. It leaves my mates cars for dust and see's off any boy racer with ease.

TOP CAR.

I've just passed my test (I'm 17). I have a 1989 Metro GTa, red, and its been in our family for 8 years without major problems...

Recently we have started to derust what little rust there is..

The engine is fairly potent over 3000 and the handling seems to be fun; a lot more grip than the Fiesta the driving school had! I look forward to driving this car for a few years to come :)

Wahey... Metro people...I've got a few Metros... mostly for spare bits, love them. My GTa is slightly modded, for modding them go to www.performancemetro.com!!!

If anyone wants to speak to me about mine, post on the forum, to GTaboy.

Metroooooo.

I used to own a yellow GTA and there was only 1 piece of rust on it. When I bought it, it had already been modified, but all the details were with it. It showed that the parts had been bought from mini sport in Padiham in Burnley (well they are practically the same car!) and as long you can fit the mods yourself or get someone to it you are alright. Also the parts are very cheap!