Faults:

Seats are not the most comfortable for longer trips. They seem to cause me to hunch over and my low back and neck will get sore after being in them for a couple of hours.

Shortly after I got the car there was a recall on it for the shift linkage on the transmission.

At 100000kms I had to change my spark plugs, plug wires and distributor cap.

At the same time I replaced my water pump.

Again at the 100000km mark I replaced my timing belt.

My alternator went at about 130000kms.

General Comments:

I have loved owning this car. It continues to be great on gas. The only mechanical "failures" have really just been due to regular wear and tear.

I changed my first set of brake shoes at 283000kms! I haven't even had to change a light bulb on this car yet.

It is a very reliable car.

When you do have to buy parts for this car however, expect to pay through the nose. I had to pay $102.00cdn a piece for brake rotors on the front.

If I was in the market for another economy car like this I would definitely consider another Suzuki powered unit like the Swift/Chevy Aveo.

Faults:

Fuel sending unit in gas tank.

Window mechanism.

Heater/ac switch failure.

Complete ac failure.

General Comments:

I drive a 1997 Metro LSI, four door, with 76,000 miles on it. It is that weird purple-blue color. It has AC, power steering and an AM/FM radio as equipment.

I bought it as an "airport car" as I work at the airport. I paid $3000 for the little beast. While I had a really nice car that I drove on my days off, I increasingly drove the Metro for the fun of it. The Metro ended up being my regular car after I sold my nice car to a relative who needed a newer car quick and cheap. I realized that I drove Metroliner (that's its name) everywhere I went anyway. I have had mine for almost four years now, I have driven it on two trips that were over 350 miles each way. For work, I drove it 125 miles, each way, once or twice a week for two and a half years.

I have exactly the same problems everybody else has. My window tanked last year (thanks to everyone's advice, I am just going to live with it). The AC/heater switch has been slowly failing for the past year as well and only works intermittently (I am going to tear it apart and see if some of the other advice works). The A/C does not blow cold at all. There is a rattling noise coming from the front wheels - most likely the wheel bearings.

I get over 40 MPG on the highway, 25-30 in town. It has started every time I asked it to. I have only done oil changes on the car (every 5000 miles). It has never had a tune up.

I must say, I have owned dozens of car in my life. I grew up on big GMs and Mercedes, I have owned/driven all manner of sports cars, sedans, trucks and SUVs. Cars are my second biggest hobby. I still love my little Metro. I love the jokes people make about it. I like the odd looks people give it. I keep thinking I will buy a new car, but have found nothing I can afford that offers the same balance of practicality, reliability, charm, personality and fun. All of my friends think I am nuts.

I think all us Metro owners should start flashing our lights to each other (like other odd ball car owners do) as a sign of solidarity!