1997 Geo Metro Base 1.0 3 cylinder
Summary:
Economical until you have to buy parts for it
Faults:
Brake booster has failed twice due to an internal vacuum leak.
Heater control fan switch worked only on high speed, I was able to disassemble it and clean the contacts so it works fine now.
Clutch went out (to be expected with high mileage)
Normal maintenance (oil changes, tune ups, timing belt, etc.)
Service engine soon light has come on many times with code P0420 Catalyst System Low Efficiency. I have replaced both oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter ($200 for each sensor... same price whether OEM or aftermarket, another $200 for the aftermarket catalytic converter) and despite the fact the car has received regular maintenance and does not use oil the light continues to come on. This is a problem in my area where emission tests are required and they do check for trouble codes, if you have any codes you fail the test. A technician who said that computer failures are extremely rare in these vehicles quoted about $800 for a computer replacement... apparently it has to be programmed by the dealership when installing since they have the only tools capable of doing that. That appears to be the only thing left that could cause the code to keep returning.
General Comments:
The car is economical and for the most part durable. With 247,000 miles it does not use oil and still runs great, but the cost of some replacement parts can quickly add up to the value of the car. It is one of the easiest newer vehicles to work on yourself. However, I wish I had one built before a scan tool was required for obtaining trouble codes as repair shops will not even look at a service engine soon light for less than $80.00 each time. Not to mention O2 sensors are also cheaper and only one is used.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th January, 2005
1st Mar 2005, 14:52
He or she is absolutely correct in telling you about Auto-zone doing a free scan or check engine light diagnostic for free. I have been there on two ocasions and both times no charge was asked.
15th Apr 2005, 19:40
If you live in a part of the country that does not have any Auto Zone stores, then unfortunately you do not have that option. The cheapest in my area is about 40 bucks, but not at a dealer.
25th Jul 2005, 10:33
Where was the internal vacuum leak? I have the same problem with my metro. I changed the booster and still have to press hard to stop car. Any suggestions where to look for vacuum leak?
30th Dec 2005, 18:31
See "P0420, P0430 Catalyst Efficiency" at http://www.actron.com/faq_detail.php?pid=16298&id=13
Since you've replaced the cat already, your brake booster vacuum leak could be the culprit. Hope this helps.
9th May 2006, 08:38
There is a big difference between reading codes and diagnosing the problems that cause those codes. Eighty dollar is quite reasonable when you spend 2-3 hours testing components on a diagnostic flow chart to determine the root of a problem. Autozone is not going to do that for you for free.
31st Jan 2005, 07:55
You can take your car to AutoZone and they will scan it for free.
$80 to scan a service engine soon light is a ripoff!!