🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Jul10.012324.19921@ucsu.Colorado.EDU> clarkbr@spot.Colorado.EDU (CLARK BRIAN R) writes:
>
>   I'm considering buying a Geo Metro, and am interested in hearing from 
> those who own (or have owned) this car, or know of the experiences of 
> someone who has.
>
>   I'm curious about the real-world fuel economy, the handling, repair
> problems, and the fit-and-finish of this model.
>
>   Any information would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks - Brian

I have owned this car and its predecessor, the Chevy Sprint, and have been
a pretty happy owner.  I've been especially satisfied with Fisher Chevrolet
in Boulder who on two different occasions did repairs under warranty even
though the car that I owned had exceeded the number of miles listed in my
standard warranty agreement.

Pluses:
      - The 87 Chevy Sprint was a standard transmission no A/C 4-door.  It
        *averaged* 50 MPG, including city driving.  Once, travelling from
        Trinidad to Amarillo, it exceeded 60 (I think it was mostly down-hill)
        My 90 Metro is now an automatic with A/C 4-door.  It averages about
        40-45 -- still not too bad.
      - I go 60,000 miles between having to replace tires.  On the 87
        Chevy Sprint, the rear tires lasted 95,000 miles.
      - My 90 Metro cools quickly.  Both models heat quickly.
      - Handling and maneuverability is excellent, even in high winds.
      - Visibility is very good -- better than other subcompacts.
      - Oil changes and tuneups are cheap.
      - For as small as it is, the 4-door is pretty roomy inside (compared to
        other subcompacts or even something like the Chevy Corsica).  The
        4-door also gives you a better turning radius.

Minuses:
      - The 87 Sprint had sporadic heat -- the Metro does fine.
      - The car weighs less that 2000 pounds -- it often will not trip
        traffic lights.
      - It's not the most efficient engine in the world -- on auto emissions
        tests, the 87 Sprint failed a couple of times.  Both models need to
        be tuned pretty often.
      - Some maintenance can be very expensive -- the air filter is almost $50.
      - My 90 Metro with A/C has too little power.  Even with A/C disconnected,
        it does not accelerate quickly.  The 87 Sprint without A/C had about
        average acceleration.  It's hard for me to say whether its the
        automatic transmission or the A/C that hits it the hardest.  But I
        would recommend the standard transmission in any case.  I bought the
        automatic because I got a good deal on it as a used rental car.
      - The road-noise can get to you on long trips.  But then, I usually buy
        all-season tires that are noisier than standard tires.  The wheels are
        very small (12"), so tires can be hard to find but inexpensive.

I hope that helps.  My opinions are my own, of course, and other Metro owners
may have had different experiences.  I think the fact that you see so few used
Metros or Sprints for sale in the paper indicates a generally acceptable level
of user satisfaction.  Good luck.  --Tim