New Guy Looking for Metro and Helpful Info

[Optimus]

Hey all, I haven't gotten a Metro/Swift yet but I am currently looking for one and trying to do some research. Although there doesn't seem to be much info online about these cars. I figure I would come in here and see if some of you guys/gals could maybe gimme some helpful info and tips.

I am looking to get good gas mileage, as this will be my daily commuter. Nothing fancy, I juxt want a decent interior, a/c and 40+ MPG

I am not picky about the model, although I think I would like a 4 cylinder, 5 speed hatchback.

Are the 3 cylinders really anemic? I would like to be able to keep up with highway traffic and not get run over.

Also this article was interesting: 1996 Geo Metro Expert Reviews

I was originally looking for an auto, but with a 10mpg hit I will definitely look for a stick.

Again any and all info or helpful insight is appreciated....what to look for, common problems, tips..etc.

Thanks!

[forsa87]

I have an '87 3-cyl w/5-spd. that gets nearly 50 mpg and can cruise all day at 60 mph ...can always downshift to 4th if you want to pass. Having said that, I recently brought an '01 4-cyl. w/Auto trans. across state for my neighbour and although I normally don't like small engine cars with Auto Trans, this one pleasantly surprised me ...doing about 55, I stomped on it to pass and it kicked down and was still pulling strong at over80 mph. He's now had it for about 2 weeks and is happy ...taking visitors on tours thru the mountains he claims 41mpg. and could likely be better as he's hard on the accelorator (his other car's a Porsche).

[Johnny Mullet]

I have a 1998 Chevy Metro 1.0L 5 speed and getting 53 miles per gallon. The 3 cylinder has enough power to pass and climb hills as long as it's tuned up and running right.

I prefer the 3 cylinder mated with a manual trans for fuel economy. No options are also a plus.

[Armada Master]

Greetings, new guy here and didn't want to start essentially this same thread just for me again so here goes:

Looking hard a Metro for a MPG car in the coming weeks. Found one in particular on the local Craigslist for example:

http://houston.craigslist.org/car/699166843.html

Like to lay this puppy back for when the world comes to an end and gas hits $8 bucks a gallon when the next Katrina rolls in.

I normally try to buy as low a mileage vehicle as possible, is 105K too much from one of these? What kind of overall mileage do you guys usually see before having to open the motor up, etc.? Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

[forsa87]

depends on usage (highway mostly, or lots of city, heavily loaded, etc.) but generally around 120-150k they need head rebuild (ie. Valves & Springs) ...after that it's not uncommon to find the little beasts with well over 200k.

[Armada Master]

Originally Posted by forsa87

depends on usage (highway mostly, or lots of city, heavily loaded, etc.) but generally around 120-150k they need head rebuild (ie. Valves & Springs) ...after that it's not uncommon to find the little beasts with well over 200k.

Thanks for the info.

I am curious, did any of the hatchbacks (96+) come with auto or stick only?

Also, is there a way to decode the vin to reveal if one is auto or not?

[lancekilgore]

email the guy and ask if it is auto or stick. great cars and the 1.0 kicks butt as long as it is not to loaded, i travel 60 mils a day to and from work doing 65 to 75 with no problems.

[andrew74]

Whatever you say homeslice :-)…..you can have your way

[my77stang]

i cant wait to see what kinda mileage i get with my 1.3 4 cylinder 5 speed. i'll be tickled pink if we can squeeze 45 outta it.

[Johnny Mullet]

Check out some of the fuel mileage tips at Home - MetroMPG.com - Geo Metro, Chevrolet Metro / Swift, Pontiac Firefly, Suzuki Swift info and general fuel economy info