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Geo Prizm vs. Geo Metro . . . (?)
Topic Started: Jun 11 2017, 04:39 AM (575 Views)
TaxationIsTheft
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of course I want a S-Class and a '59 Eldo' Biarritz, a Korth and a Python


for the same reason I wanted Crown Vic and a Pinto, a Hi-Point and a Raven

but I've long-wanted a Geo . . .

:news so I've been doing my research . .

I started wanting a Metro, which I see as the Pinto of recent generation. At first I was attracted by the gas mileage, which was close to what I was getting out of my Prius at the time (I never got 50 MPG from it, more like 40 so I sold it the moment it hit the fritz - I will not tolerate being lied to) but I quickly learned that I also had no tolerance for a stick shift.

Now I've been through two cars since I've began considering a Geo (it's on the list of cars I would like to have) . . . so I'm on this search for my next car and the Geo came to mind. I really want a Tracker, but now I've discovered the Prizm.


So now I'm looking for the lowdown on what to expect. My question to you . . . What is the one I should go for, Metro or Prizm? Why?



Let the discussion commence :rocker
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Woodie
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Welcome! I love your name.

First off you should probably know that GEO was completely made up brand, all they did was sell Japanese made cars so GM could raise it's average fuel economy and sell more Cadillacs. The Prizm was a Toyota Corolla and the Metro was a Suzuki Swift. Tracker was also a Suzuki, Storm was an Isuzu.

If you aren't considering a manual transmission, then you should probably move along from the Metro. Nothing gets the mileage of a manual transmission Metro, 50 mpg is a reasonable expectation if you drive smoothly. Many cars will get the mileage of an automatic Metro, all of them more comfortably and safely. 40 mpg is the most that you can expect from an automatic, with the newer ones (95-01) usually doing about 35 mpg.

I consider the Metro to be the Volkswagen Beetle of the 90's. There's always something wrong with them, but it's almost always something annoying and inconsequential that you you can fix yourself. Very rare for the car to not work.


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MarkZ28


If I had a choice the Prizm is a better car but not as distinct as the Metro. Prizms were all 4 doors I think. They have a more powerful engine, all dohc 4 bangers. They are Toyotas so they last forever. They are Toyotas so they are also bland and more of an appliance than a fun car. To be fair, the Corolla chassus can be easily made to handle and Im sure tgere are many more parts to buy that make more power, something thats fairly rare in the Metro world. Lots more aftermarket for a Toyota. If youre looking for nothing but basic transportation with great gas mileage, you cant beat a Metro with a 5 speed. As stated above, the autos suck. Get the Prism instead. Out of all you listed, the Tracker in 4wd and 5 speed is what Id pick, lol. Actually would love a Samuri but the Tracker is close.
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TaxationIsTheft
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Thank you @Woodie

I was leaning toward a Prizm until I read Mark's comment . . . the Corolla, particularly those of the 90s, had always seemed like a boring car to me. The one I'm looking at has a nice sense of design to the customized interior but appears to have some damage with some of the nobs out of line with where they are suppose to be, I assume if this was an easy fix the seller would've repositioned things before taking the picture. Do we have any interior specialists on the site? Also there's no bottom to where the tape deck (or where I intend to put my Kenwood/Garmin navigation system) . . is there an easy solution to this. I can share some pics of what the seller shared with me via private message if anyone's interested.
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Horn


I temporarily had a 94 Corolla and it was a great running and looking car. One thing you need to watch out for with the autos is if you are getting the 3spd or 4spd auto. I always prefer more gears unless there are trans issues.

TIT - What exactly are you looking for in a car? You started at a tracker, and now you are all the way down to a metro. lol.
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cwatkin


Get a different car than a Metro if you want an automatic. Maybe look into the CVT Mitsubishi Mirage which you can get new or a few years old if you want a basic 3 cylinder car. It sounds like you have the money to get a lot of cars so maybe go for a more expensive cheap car. I have one of these and it is great. It is also 3 cylinders if you are feeling "odd" about the number of cylinders you get. The mileage is also great. This seems to be the new Metro around here. Mine was like $10,000 new.

Conor

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MarkZ28


CVT suck, lol. All noise and no go, at least the few I got stuck driving.
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Mrbreeze


I've been driving the 93 for 18yrs, replaced everything at least once, with the a/c I love it as my DD, I'am keeping an eye out for a tracker though, I want a tin top or one with a fiberglass removable topper, 16valve 5speed, with a/c, that would be awesome ^o)
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cwatkin


I didn't think the CVT was too bad in the Mirage. It did rev up pretty high but also took off.

Conor
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monzanut
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Woodie
Jun 11 2017, 05:27 AM
If you aren't considering a manual transmission, then you should probably move along from the Metro. Nothing gets the mileage of a manual transmission Metro, 50 mpg is a reasonable expectation if you drive smoothly. Many cars will get the mileage of an automatic Metro, all of them more comfortably and safely. 40 mpg is the most that you can expect from an automatic, with the newer ones (95-01) usually doing about 35 mpg.


My take on getting MPG from an automatic Metro is this...

Posted Image

Sorry automatic lovers, lol.
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TaxationIsTheft
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I've went with the 1995 Geo Metro . . .


1. Check engine light came on during the right back (right after I put gas in it)

A lot of shaking and rumbling from the front end and some pulling from the wheel when I let it go. We talking ball joint or wheel barring?

I will post up pictures later, what area should I be posting my Prizm in. One of the things that attracted me to the Metro is the fact that this community exists, I can not say the same for the Prizm



monzanut
Jun 13 2017, 05:30 PM
Woodie
Jun 11 2017, 05:27 AM
If you aren't considering a manual transmission, then you should probably move along from the Metro. Nothing gets the mileage of a manual transmission Metro, 50 mpg is a reasonable expectation if you drive smoothly. Many cars will get the mileage of an automatic Metro, all of them more comfortably and safely. 40 mpg is the most that you can expect from an automatic, with the newer ones (95-01) usually doing about 35 mpg.


My take on getting MPG from an automatic Metro is this...

Posted Image

Sorry automatic lovers, lol.
This made me laugh :D
Edited by TaxationIsTheft, Jun 13 2017, 07:47 PM.
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cwatkin


Glad to hear you joined the club! These are easy cars to work on so you should be able to make the repairs. It may be a bad tire for all you know. Swap sides and look for an egg shaped tire. If the shaking moves, it is the tire. Wheel bearings are easy to swap on these and cheap.

Seriously, for any car made in the last 30 years, this is about the easiest one to work on. Get a manual and go to town. It is like working on a lawnmower. My mower and Geos take the same oil filter too!

Conor
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TaxationIsTheft
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cwatkin
Jun 14 2017, 01:59 PM
Glad to hear you joined the club! These are easy cars to work on so you should be able to make the repairs. It may be a bad tire for all you know. Swap sides and look for an egg shaped tire. If the shaking moves, it is the tire. Wheel bearings are easy to swap on these and cheap.

Seriously, for any car made in the last 30 years, this is about the easiest one to work on. Get a manual and go to town. It is like working on a lawnmower. My mower and Geos take the same oil filter too!

Conor
I just realized I meant to say Prizm but I said Metro instead . . . yikes


So I brought it in to be evaluated and was told that it has a Toyota engine in it, not the original engine . . . I told him the car is a rebadged Toyota Corolla and he said "I know that . . . but it doesn't have the right parts"

So if this isn't the original engine that goes to this car . . . (and I paid $50 for the reputable repair shop to tell me that) . . . what kind of engine is it?
Posted Image


It's missing sensors for the EG valve?


Edit: I've realized this has went off topic so I have posted a new thread for it here - http://geometroforum.com/topic/8111811/1/


let's keep this Metro Vs. Prizm for those weighing that decision - hopefully I can get things working but if not I may be going to a Metro . . . then I will have a better home here to discuss the car
Edited by TaxationIsTheft, Jun 14 2017, 10:55 PM.
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Cobrajet25
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It's a Toyota 4A-FE, which is just what this car should have. There is an early version of this motor used from about 1990-1992 and a later version used from 1993-1997. This is the later version, and may be what confused your mechanic.

EDIT: Could also be a 7A-FE. Looks nearly identical to a later 4A-FE, but is 1.8L instead of 1.6L
Edited by Cobrajet25, Jun 16 2017, 02:53 AM.
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cwatkin


I am guessing someone swapped an engine from what you are saying. As mentioned, it IS a Toyota engine and will drop right in but it sounds like it may be a different model/year and that certain sensors and such are missing. I am not an expert on these cars but hopefully you won't need too many parts to make this right.

The good news is that these cars and the comparable Corolla are extremely common so you will have plenty of JY parts to pick from. It just stinks that you have to fix all the problems caused by a previous owner. I have BEEN THERE, DONE THAT myself!

Conor
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