'95 Metro questions!!!

Hey guys I am looking to buy another Metro. I currently have a '97 Metro 2 door 3cyl 5 speed with no problems. Looking at a '95 2 door 3 cyl 5 speed that I can get for $450. I have a few questions: When you come to a stop you cant get it in first gear unless you let the clutch pedal out just a little and it pops right into gear. It goes through all the gears fine shifting up and down except down into first. What could be the problem? Also the guy says it eats alternator belts about once a year. Could this be the common problem of a loose belt or misaligned alternator? I got underneath the car and looked at the usual rust spots and it actually looks in better shape than mine except for the bar that runs across the back of the car from side to side. I am guessing this is some sort of stabilizer bar but not sure. Anyways where it bolts to the underneath of the car it is rusted away from the car. Will this cars big problems and what does this bar actually do? Sorry for the long post but any info would be great. Thanks in advance.

Matt

The 1st gear issue is either a clutch issue or, more likely, a syncro problem. it will probably work for years if you treat it gently.

The belt issue is definately the issue that is discussed frequently. I tighten the belt extremely tight and have not had a problem with it eating belts or alternators.

The biggest problem is the rust. The bar is the rear anti-sway bar and is vital for the suspension to operate properly. Most people junk the car when a suspension mounting point is rusted out. I would recommend getting a repair estimate before purchasing the car.

Hope this helps!!

Jon

Thanks for the reply! I will look into the rear sway bar and see what can be done. I suspected the syncros but just wanted to see what others had to say. Thanks for gettting back with me so quickly and I will decide what I am gonna do.

Matt