The best car for the money
Normal wear and tear and some carburetor problems.
This was my first car, and I took it to lots of places it was never meant to go and did lots of things it was never meant to do. It's still going strong.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st December, 2010
Cricket the Wondercar!
Recovered front seats every 100000 miles.
Carb rebuild at 120000 miles.
Clutch every 75000 miles.
Best-designed super-economy car ever! It always averaged 50+ MPG on the freeway, with 4 (semi) comfortable passengers at 70 MPH. (Even with all its technology, the "Smart Car" can't do anywhere NEAR that with the same weight/displacement!)
It never complained about the jumps, burnouts, overloading and other abuse. Real signs of quality: when I sold it to a friend at 301,000 miles, the rear-view mirror was still tight, the door locks, windows, sun visors, glove-box door, EVERYTHING still performed like new!
A very happy car, and the easiest car to drive I've ever owned because there was no extra sheet metal or weight. My kids loved how the glovebox door sounded like the overhead luggage compartment on an airplane! (Click!)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st April, 2010
Best hypermileage car ever made
Replaced water pump at about 150,000 miles.
Initial tires lasted 80,000 miles and still had good tread.
Never had to replace brake pads.
Never had to replace shocks/struts.
Never had to replace anything else!
If you can be patient on the freeway, up hills, and against strong headwinds, this car is incredibly economical, reliable, and will somehow attach itself to your heartstrings.
I drove mine for 12 years and 218,000 miles before giving it to my father-in-law, who still has it.
Don't let any mechanic monkey with the carburetor! Only a certified Suzuki mechanic should ever do so -- it's the key to the Sprint's economy, and is very, very touchy.
I liked it so much, I'm buying another (and this is 2010!).
I got 55 mpg highway all 12 years, and over 45 in the worst traffic. Highest mileage I recorded was 65 MPG, and lowest (with a strong headwind) was 38 MPG. All this in a car I paid $5500 for NEW!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th January, 2010
Best cheap car ever made
Almost nothing!
Replaced the water pump at about 160,000 miles. Even the brake pads went about 180,000 miles!
Put on seat covers at about 180,000 as well.
Everything else is original.
I still get 55 mpg in this car at 214,000 miles. Just incredible.
I do all my own maintenance and take excellent care of the car -- that's why it has lasted so long.
It's extremely cheaply made, but somehow it works. These years were made in Japan -- later Metro's were made in Canada.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th October, 2009
I should have bought one in 1985!
Nothing.
I bought this little sweetheart when the price of gas went through the roof. Now the price of gas has dropped a lot and I feel like I can drive for free. I am getting between 40 and 48 miles per gallon, depending upon how I drive. My one-way commute is 32 miles on the hilly, curvy and beautiful northern Oregon coast. I feel if I were on the freeway, 50 mpg would be easy to achieve. This car is a keeper! My 11 year old son has named the car "Rufus the Dominator", and the name fits, as the car has a lot of heart.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th November, 2008
Awesome
The only thing I replaced in the time I had the car was one clutch and a change of tires.
I can't remember if I bought the car in 85 or 86, but I bought the car brand new for $5,000. No radio, no air. Just a car. In fact, when I bought the car, the dealer asked me what color I wanted and I told them I did not care. (I chose blue) Honestly, I just wanted a car.
What a great car! I loved it! It got 50 - 70 mpg. It was snappy enough to get up and go when needed.
The back seat folded down and I had plenty of room in the back to haul a surprising amount of stuff.
It went through the snow better than my big monster 4 wheel drive truck.
It was easy to park. In fact, I lost it one night in a parking lot. I worked 2nd shift at Boeing, and when I got in the parking lot I couldn't find my car. I had to go up and down the rows until I found it. It turned out that several huge trucks parked around it and I just couldn't see it. LOL.
The car was destroyed one night when I got hit from behind on a black ice night. It crushed like a pop can. I had 1 day on the brand new tires.
What a great car and a great deal. I loved it, and saved a whole lot of money buying it and owning it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th October, 2008
21st Dec 2010, 14:05
Damn, you've had your first car for nearly 16 years. But it is a 80s Chevy, those engines are known for lasting a long time.
Best of luck for you and your car.