buy an old geo and update?

Hello,

I note new automobiles are bragging about 35 mpg. I know two different people who owned Geo metros years ago who got over 50 mpg with their vehicles.

Would it make fiscal sense to carefully purchase an old metro and have it gone over thoroughly by a mechanic, even overhauling the engine? I know at the very least you could have cheaper license plates and insurance. We are retiring to New Mexico and could use it on long trips to the various National Parks in the Southwest.

In 1972 I bought a new 3/4 Ford 4 wheeler with a 360 2 barrel engine. It got a lousy 8mpg. In 1976 I spent a tax return on a 390 four barrel engine with big heads and headers and got double the horsepower to the rear wheels and the gas milage jumped from 8 to 12! Thus I am willing to do this project, if indeed the readers think it would be well worthwhile. Are there any after market modificatiuons to this body/engine that even help it become more comfortable/efficient?

Thank in advance,

Gene so

If you really want to save fuel, getting a Metro is the best choice, but you must do some research first. If you are looking for a Metro, I suggest you find a Hatchback model with a 3 cylinder and a 5-speed manual. The automatics will not get comparable MPG numbers. Next, make sure the frame and structure of the car is solid. The deal breaker with these cars is the frame rot near the lower control arm mounts............

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/l_452f25025c1c4951a6bc32fcc982d337.jpg

Mine was rusting away here and I repaired it..................
http://geometroforum.com/topic/653980/

If you find a good, rust-free Metro, I would get it regardless of how it runs since these cars are easily rebuilt. I did a complete rebuild in 18 hrs on a guy's Metro who drove 9 hours away so I could do the job. The entire job was documented here........
http://geometroforum.com/topic/1144189/

The owner stated that the repairs have already paid for themselves. The common problem is these engines are dirty little suckers and they build a lot of carbon deposits. This carbon will burn out exhaust valves and make the car run poorly. I rebuilt mine about a year ago and still going strong. I keep the carbon under control by using Seafoam..............
http://geometroforum.com/topic/681815/

You can also replace the exhaust valves with stainless steel ones and there are other performance parts available...........
http://www.geometroforum.com/pages/3tech

I am currently getting 60+ MPG from my 1998 model because I have modified it with an economy cam, aerodynamic mods, and other fuel saving tricks. I put about $8.00 per week in fuel in my car and drive to work 6 days a week 20 miles away.

As far as comfort goes, the 1995+ models have better seats, more room, and even air bags and other safety items. You can also pay a mechanic to retrofit better seats from another car. It has been done.

Good luck on your adventure! Just remember that these cars are basic transportation.

Gene,
Let me tell you my story then you'll have another reason to say yes. I have a 94 xfi that gets 50+ mpg. Over 110k miles and nothing more than regular maintenance (window regulator, muffler, water pump, timing belt & couple of tuneups).
I saw an ad for a 94 with an automatic + A/C for $100 (farm/barn find). I thought I'd get it just for the body parts as these are getting more scarce than you'd think. The car had a bad head (scored because of a broken valve). The junk yard wanted $150 for the head but parted with the whole engine for $50 more. They guaranteed the head but stated the block was 'core only'. Well the block just needed pressure tested, honed and the pistons re-ringed. I replaced the valves and valve stem seals anyway, then replaced the water pump, oil pump, timing belt, various gaskets/seals for practical purposes. The cam, crank were polished, the tranaxle fluid and filter replaced.
New carpet, new windshield, new outside mirror, repaint the hood, new battery, plugs, plug wires, distributer cap, charged the A/C, cleaned interior and exterior.
Now less than $1000 later and still in the break in period I got 35+ mpg. I will miss the car as my son volunteered to test my rehab prowess by taking it off to college with him. I have heard no complaints and he actually comes home during breaks at school. Of course I have to give him $20 dollars to fill up the tank to get back to school.
So if you can get a rust free example and have to rebuild it I would say 'go for it'.
Good luck

I would do it. I love my metro's. I have 3 (1991 XFI-1991 4dr auto-1998 4dr auto) and 2 parts cars. You have a lot to take into consideration. You say you are retiring to NM. If I were retiring I would honestly not want to deal with the upkeep on a Metro or depend on it for long trips. It would be great for local travel etc with the occasional long trip. The worst thing about the Metro in my opinion is that because of their subcompact budget nature most previous owners have really neglected them. This makes finding a good one tough. There is a lot that can and will go wrong from my experience. They are easy to fix in most cases and parts are affordable but unless you can perform repairs yourself it can be costly. These little cars have to work harder than larger vehicles. If you can affored to have one thoroughly overhauled and provide regular maintenance I would say go for it. As much as I hate to say it I highly recommend mini vans. My mom gave us one (2007 Caravan) because she thinks my metro's are death traps and can't stand for her grand children to ride around in them. I had never driven one but they are very comfortable roomy and much safer. It's great on long trips and the fuel usage isn't as bad as I had originally thought. Good luck whatever you do.

I love our Metro for around town, but not as a highway car - too loud.

Bought it in 2003 for nearly nothing (nobody cared about MPG, gas was cheap) and it has been very reliable.

The expenses have been replacing regular wear-items (battery, headlights, windshield, tires), the timing belt, regular oil changes, and some diagnostic work to find a shorted wire in the Fuel Inj. circuit. I expect to have to spring for a clutch at some point.

Mind Johnny's advice, he posts lots of useful Metro info. Good luck finding a solid Metro.

To fix the loud problem, just install a louder stereo :-) or you can opt for some dynamat.

I have replaced just about everything in mine, including opting for the HID conversion for the headlight which totally rocks, and in a single step fixes the entire headlight problem in our geo's.
Buy some rims, and some wider, and taller tires, this will help to smooth out the ride alot.
Buy the economy cam and advanced timing gear, spend the time and make your little geo as solid as you can. It will save you money all day everyday. as long as you can drive it.