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| 1997 Metro for commuter new member here; Just a quick introduction | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 30 2011, 10:44 AM (1,034 Views) | |
| jagrmystr | Jun 30 2011, 10:44 AM Post #1 |
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"Big guy in a little car"
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Greetings everyone I just wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to the forum. I have already read many of the posts on this site due to my Google searches. I just purchased a 1997 Geo Metro with the 1.0L 3 cyl and 5 spd MT. I was watching Craigslist postings looking for a Metro, or other fuel efficient vehicle for my 175 mile daily commute (round trip). Yes, I know that is a horrible commute, but it was all I could get. I was laid off back in June of 2009 and could not find a job for over a year and 10 months.. so I was happy to get this one. This 97 was posted for 2000 or best offer. They said in the ad that it had a transmission rebuilt 1000 miles ago and the engine was rebuilt 500 miles ago. They had used the driver's side control rod (lateral link) as a place to wrap a tow strap to pull it out of a snow bank. The link was bent way back and the driver's tire was kicked out in the front rolling edge of the tire about 20 degrees. The car was not able to be driven. The battery was dead after sitting in their field for five months. The body was in good shape with the exception of the usual driver's rocker panel rust through. I thought the price was a little high, but with a rebuilt tranny and engine I thought why not. I offered $1400 and settled on $1500 for the car. I came back the following week to get the car. I jacked it up to get the driver's rear wheel off of the ground. I pulled out my handy Geo Metro rear control rod/lateral link adjustment tool (a three foot long section of 4" x 4" treated lumber) and got to work. In the prior week I had ordered a replacement lateral link from Rock Auto for a 97 swift and brought it to the site with me. I wanted to avoid working on the car in the tall grass if at all possible. I used my "adjustment tool" on the lateral link. Three solid hits and the lateral link was fairly close to straight. I dropped the car down and jump started it. The car drove with no vibrations and I was able to do 55 mph with no issues where as previously they were not able to do more than 25 with the rear wheel pointing out. On the drive home I noticed that the synchros in 2nd gear are messed up and not allowing me to downshift from third without going up to first prior. (I know I should have test driven the car first, but almost everything on these are able to be repaired) So I thought to myself "This is NOT a rebuilt transmission... what else was false in the ad?" I called the owner since his DW had no idea what was actually done to the car. The previous owner gave me the number of the mechanic that did the work on the car. So I called him. As it all turns out this car has Neither a rebuilt transmission NOR rebuilt engine. The engine was a swap and has approximately 70k on it according to the mechanic. The transmission was not touched, but the clutch was replaced. I have a slight oil leak on the engine and have to figure out exactly where it is leaking from. I am not sure at this point if it is coming from the oilpan gasket, or from a main seal. I have not investigated that closely yet as it is a minor leak. This is not my first encounter with this type of vehicle though. I purchased a brand new 2000 Suzuki Swift back in 2000 and enjoyed the car very much. It had the 1.3L 4cyl with AC and a 5 spd. I used to get mid 30's out of that car (usually driving like an A$$) with my best mileage around 37 mpg. I used the AC a lot and even took the car on an 8k road trip and it handled beautifully. The memories of that car were a large part of my decision to purchase a metro/swift again. I have only had this 97 metro for a few weeks, however I am loving it. I am driving typically around 60 on the tollways except through construction areas. Those areas are 45 and I do 45. (Thanks to those unmarked photo van enforcement areas.... $375 Fine Minimum in Illinois turned out to be over $800 each for about 250 people caught by one van on just one weekend in IL in 2009). I do not try to drive wildly now but do not do 45 on the interstates. I have been averaging 43 mpg on this car with my best average being 46 mpg. I Love this fuel economy. Even bearing in mind that I will probably have to get a transmission rebuild, I factor that into the cost of the car. I was getting 28 mpg out of my 98 Subaru Forester on the same commute and the difference is Day and Night. Sorry for the long post / Introduction but I just wanted to give you all a bit of background on me and my little metro. Talk to you soon |
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| bogs | Jun 30 2011, 12:20 PM Post #2 |
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Duct tape heals all wounds
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Nice introduction, and welcome here Don't forget to start taking pictures now, beat the xmas rush
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| Jezza | Jun 30 2011, 01:53 PM Post #3 |
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Boost Junkie
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Welcome Jagrmystr!! I will get around to reading your intro later ![]() Edit: Just read it. Sorry about the raw deal the mechanic gave the PO who in turn gave you the same. Hate dishonest people like those ... Good to know you are anjoying your Metro. They are really fun cars when they are running well and great on gas. Just enjoy the forum and garner as much Metrology as you can
Edited by Jezza, Jun 30 2011, 01:59 PM.
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| Ryan | Jun 30 2011, 01:56 PM Post #4 |
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Ryan
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Look forward to pics. Welcome to the forum! I'll get around to reading the intro. later as well.
Edited by Ryan, Jun 30 2011, 01:57 PM.
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| Jittney | Jun 30 2011, 10:38 PM Post #5 |
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Anchorage 92 XFi
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Welcome to the forum, jagrmystr ![]() Sorry you were mislead by the seller, but very glad you have previous experience with the Swift and that you joined the forum so that we can follow your progress as you get this new car all fixed up. Dittos to bogs' request for pictures
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| jagrmystr | Jul 4 2011, 09:39 AM Post #6 |
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"Big guy in a little car"
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Thank you all it is nice to be welcomed here. Here is the picture I uploaded of my Metro: I have this picture on my profile. I have to get a chance to look into some oil leaks that I have. Not sure if the seal around the crank pulley is the culprit or oil pan gasket. I have a Metro that is definitely not "potty trained" since it leaves puddles everywhere. I drained the oil from the trans this weekend and filled with 2.5 qts of standard 75 w90 for now. I went to get an alignment and was told that my passenger side control arm bushings were shot and they won't do an alignment until that is replaced. So I ordered a control arm for both sides, plus inner and outer tie rod ends for both sides. I figured that if I was doing it, I might as well do it all Thanks again for the welcome and I hope to take a few shots from under the car when I do the front end work.
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| Bad Bent | Jul 4 2011, 07:16 PM Post #7 |
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Facetious Educated Donkey
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Welcome to the forum, jagrmystr! Check the PCV valve and the "Y" tube as they may be clogged. Mine clogged, causing pressure in the valve cover and it blew out the cam seal. Oil dripped down and on the oil pan which looks like a pan leak. While I use the Synthetic 75W90 for now, when I change my transmission oil again I will switch to a Synchromesh (Penzoil) for equal protection and better shifting. Thanks for the picture! |
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| Johnny Mullet | Jul 4 2011, 09:32 PM Post #8 |
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Fear the Mullet
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Glad you could join us! |
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Welcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.


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I have this picture on my profile. I have to get a chance to look into some oil leaks that I have. Not sure if the seal around the crank pulley is the culprit or oil pan gasket. I have a Metro that is definitely not "potty trained" since it leaves puddles everywhere. I drained the oil from the trans this weekend and filled with 2.5 qts of standard 75 w90 for now. I went to get an alignment and was told that my passenger side control arm bushings were shot and they won't do an alignment until that is replaced. So I ordered a control arm for both sides, plus inner and outer tie rod ends for both sides. I figured that if I was doing it, I might as well do it all
Thanks again for the welcome and I hope to take a few shots from under the car when I do the front end work.


3:25 AM Jul 11