Might buy a 94 metro, have some questions

Ok, well it's tax return season here, and I'm looking to buy a car so I can get rid of my crappy Taurus. I was looking at a green 94 metro 5 spd today. When the guy who owns it started it up, it made a lot of noise. I thought it sounded like a diesel engine, it made so much noise. I went for a little drive in it, and after we got back and had it warmed it, most of the engine noise went away, but there was a little noise left, like overhead cam mechanical type noise. The guy said the motor had been changed, but he didn't say what year the motor was. the engine noises concern me, and it sounded like it was running omewhat rough, but I've never really looked at a 3 cyl. car before, so maybe they just sound that way. It's got 213000 km's on it. The body and floor are in nice shape, there was only one little spot of rust underneath the keylock on the rear hatch. So, do any of you think that the engine noises are something to be concerned about? Also, what are your general opinions of the metro? I want a fuel stingy car that's cheap to run and maintain because I like to do a lot of driving.

Don't be worried about small noises. The metros aren't quiet running cars. They make all kinds of noises. If they click a little, or hum, it's just a cheap motor. Fresh rebuilds are noisy too. If the engine does let loose, you can always get another one for a couple hundred bucks.

how much $$ is the guy asking?