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Looking at Buying a 2000 Metro with problems... no reverse???; Would you please advise on the topic? Thanks!
Topic Started: Jun 19 2015, 05:45 PM (480 Views)
KevinCreedy
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Hi Everyone,
I am an owner of a 1999 Chevy Metro, 3cyl. and love it... My dad has a 1996 and have been struggling with it for the past few years and now it's been dead again for 5 weeks (engine problems, he's had 2 engines now and luck doesn't seem to be on his side), so I'm looking at buying him a 2000 Metro that is available, but owner says it can't shift into reverse. Says that it can't drive for very far, that as the clutch gets hot it starts acting up, (I'm quoting some of his texts - he thinks it's the clutch)... more texts - The last time I drove it, it was around an hour and it started acting up. The pedal doesn't engage until almost completely at the top the longer you drive the harder it is to shift, but when it cools down, it is fine.

What do you all think? I have him talked down to $1500, it's got 114k and looks decent. I have to get it towed though, so I'm shooting for $1200... he's not biting really.

If you could use more info, let me know and I will ask him.

Thank you, I appreciate the input!
Kevin
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Murf 59
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The problem with the 2000 is the clutch. If it does not release the disk, it can't shift into R. The clunky feel to the pedal more than likely the springs in the friction disk running loose in side there. Its a common problem. If they have been driving it like this for sometime. It will have damaged the insides of the trans. Welcome to the forum. Check out the gatherings section to see if there is a Metro owners meeting near you.
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geogonfa
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:gp
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dayle1960
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Fastest Hampster EVER

Murf is the resident tranny dude around these parts. His words are golden, so when he says there is hope for your tranny, then it is fixable.

I had about the same problem with mine a few years ago. Driving down the highway, minding my own business with no problems in the world. Come to a stop light and BAM, the metro barely gets going. I go about 1/4 mile and have to pull over because it felt like the trans was locking up. Had it towed home and after splitting the trans from the engine, I found that one of the springs on the clutch had popped out of its housing. That spring found its way between the clutch and flywheel and locked the tranny up. Once I replaced the clutch all was great.

You might want to delve into separating the transmission from the engine so you can look and see what kinds of problems are in there. If the owner doesn't want to let you do that, or if you are not inclined to do so, then think very hard about walking away.

But once you fix the clutch it will probably be good for another 100k miles. Don't forget to replace the transmission gear oil with Pennzoil Synchromesh gear oil.

If the rest of the metro looks good, AND THE FRAME HORNS ARE PERFECT, then $1500 seems to be a good price. Maybe have him throw in a Sachs clutch?? Looks over the entire car for signs of rust. Along the exterior of the rockers, horn frames, and underneath the wheel wells. It would be helpful to know what part of America you are in so other members can chime in on their experiences with rusting on metros.

Hope this helps.
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KevinCreedy
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Thanks for all the information... I'm in Asheville, NC. The owner says there's no rust, but I would fully inspect before making a purchase. He said that the clutch only started acting up a week or so ago, so perhaps it is a new problem and haven't been driven like that much. I have to remember this is someone trying to sell their car though... my loss is your gain, usually alerts me a little bit :) We'll see what happens, I wish he could get it to my house for $1500, I still have to tow it and then fix it...
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punkozuna
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Hi Kevin. $1500 seems like a lot for a car with known clutch/transmission issues. Are you going to to do the repair work yourself? If not you are probably looking at $400-500 to get the clutch replaced and double that (or more) if the the transmission needs to be repaired. It'd have to be a REALLY nice car to be worth that kind of money/ risk to me.

Best of luck.
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KevinCreedy
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Thanks for the input Punkozuna, I would do the work with my dad... he's done a lot of work to his metro and knows the engine and such pretty well by now. I feel it's a little much for a car with tranny/clutch problems myself...
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Horn


Well, it all depends on the seller's situation. It would be hard for me to pay that for a metro with issues, unless it was a GEM.

Just explain you will have to put a little money into it. Another trick you can do....which can backfire though is show him you are actually very interested in the vehicle. Not just as a vehicle, but as something you are looking for. SOMETIMES....sometimes this will work depending on the seller, OR it could screw you over completely. lol

I'd say if the seller is close, go look at the car. Talk to the seller and see what happens.
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