Is this Metro worth buying? 1998 1.3 Automatic LSI?

doug2060 · #1 07-31-2008, 02:40 PM

Hey guys, I found a guy selling a 4 door metro. He was asking $700 and I've got him down to $550. Before I jump on it I have some concerns. Without going into details the guy is one of those bullshitters so I know I can't take him at his word about anything on the car. There are some issues I noticed from test driving listed below.

popping axles
belt squealing (sounds like when it passes the alternator)
bad battery (possibly alternator
The check engine light bulb doesn't seem to work when turning key
201,850 miles

The engine itself seems to run fine. It has a new water pump, the head has been shaved and gasket replaced within the last few months, It doesn't smoke, and it has a new timing belt. The transmission works properly. I did notice that after about 15 to 20 minutes of driving it seems to get weaker and there is less power when taking off from a stop.

Any opinions are welcome here.

P.S. The AC works great!

Johnny Mullet · #2 07-31-2008, 07:50 PM

As long as the subframe mounts are not rotted out, then it's worth it. Even if they were and the car runs, it's still worth that in parts. Ever quote an IAC valve for one of these?

The loss of power issue can be determined through diagnostics. What year is it? I would scan it if it's 1996+ and see what's going on. If it's earlier, then you need the light to work to get the blink codes.

doug2060 · #3 08-01-2008, 12:16 AM

It's a 98. There is not a single spot of rust anywhere on the car or anywhere underneath (NC). I went ahead and bought it to have something to work with. There is a pretty significant but not severe oil leak. From just a quick look at it I assume it's coming from the cam seal as some oil is coming out above the crank. I can hear a slight churning sound coming from one of the lower pulley's. My biggest concern is the axles. I have never had a car with bad axles and have never worked on them before. They pop pretty bad when doing sharp turns and whenever you hit a good bump it sounds like the suspension is coing to fall off. The check engine light does work, I just didn't notice it hiding in the bottom right corner. I scanned it anyway with my AutoXray and there are no codes or pending codes. Live Data shows no problems either. When I get a chance to start working on it I'm sure I'll be back here for help. Since it is technically a Chevy and not a Geo should I be posting in the Chevrolet forums?

Johnny Mullet · #4 08-01-2008, 06:35 AM

No, stay right here in the Geo section. Good luck!

Scrapper · #5 08-01-2008, 08:16 AM

axles are prety easy to change..but first i'd get hanes manual just for that car because if i tell you how to do it it will take up alot of space. like i said there easy. maybe someone else can exsplain it better than i can.

good luck tho....

GM Line Rat · #6 08-01-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug2060

My biggest concern is the axles. I have never had a car with bad axles and have never worked on them before. They pop pretty bad when doing sharp turns and whenever you hit a good bump it sounds like the suspension is going to fall off.

Does this happen when driving about 5-10 mph and turning "Hard" in both L&R turns....Or only in one direction? Sounds like 1 or more bad CV Joints (Drive Axle assembly) but inspect both the lower L&R ball joints as well for any free play or damage.

doug2060 · #7 08-01-2008, 03:12 PM

Thanks, From what I can tell it does it at low speeds when making sharp turns either direction. I don't have the money to start on that at the moment. My main concern is closing up that oil leak for now.

doug7x · #8 08-01-2008, 06:08 PM

You can find the CV shafts on ebay for less than 50.00 ea. complete...just watch out for high shipping charges. Otherwise, sounds like you got a pretty good deal....just realize, though, with a 1.3 & auto, you won't see the same gas mileage that we get with the 3 bangers. From what I've heard, expect somewhere in the upper 30's if you take it kinda easy. Good luck

doug2060 · #9 08-01-2008, 10:03 PM

Yeah, I have a couple 3 cylinders but just came across this 4 cylinder by accident. I have a few metro's but they're just sitting here for parts or future projects except for one of my 91 models which I use as a daily driver. Even with the 4 cylinder and the age difference (Others are 91 to 92) there are a lot of similarities and interchangeable parts but I don't want to put old axles on it even if they did fit. For all I know they would be just as bad as I bought them all non-functional...

doug2060 · #10 08-06-2008, 03:56 AM

All done... I've never done cv axles before. I thought it would be hard. It took me nearly 2 hours on the driver side because I had to figure out how to raise the lip on the axle bolt. After about 30 minutes of banging around I took a titanium drill bit to it (problem solved). I also had to put in a wheel stud. After that experience I was able to do the passenger side in less than an hour. The car runs great but I need an A/C clutch bearing and I have a tire with a knot on it. Is there any special conditions for removing the A/C clutch or is it like a pulley?

wafrederick · #11 08-09-2008, 07:39 PM

It is not worth buying,it is probally rusted out from the bottom sound the symptoms of the popping axles which is a common problem.

doug2060 · #12 08-09-2008, 08:45 PM

Nope. No rust anywhere as stated in the above posts. I already bought it. I got it and 2 pot belly pigs for $550.00, (I had to make him negotiate with me for something LOL). I replaced the axles and it's perfect. There is some noise coming from the sway bar I believe but it's an easy fix and can wait for now. It badly needs an alignment too but other than that it runs and drives great for now.

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