Faults:
The only major problem I have had is that the slider/selector switch that controls the on/off and how powerful the venting system is went out. So I had no pressure, so no vent or heater. I still have not fixed it completely, I rigged up a wire from the ground insert, and then I plug the other end in the switch which has the amount of pressure I want.
Seats are ripping now. Not bad for 206,00 0 miles though.
The passenger door lock is funky, it will not unlock from the inside, you have to unlock it from the outside with the key.
The hatchback will not open anymore. It would only open sometimes before, but I could use a pen or something to open it from the inside, but now it will not open at all. (If you know how to fix this problem please e-mail me at ilikefoofighters@hotmail.com).
It will not shift into first gear unless completely stopped.
General Comments:
I have had this car for two years, I have put around 40,000 miles on it myself. In all of the time I have owned this car it has never broken down or had any serious mechanical problems, this is one reliable car.
I like how cheap some parts for this car are. The clutch is only around $50 and I found a timing belt for $15.
When I got the car it was getting around 30 mpg, which I thought was really good. I then read on a webpage that they are supposed to get at least low 40's mpg. I replaced the air and fuel filter, which the fuel filter on these is fairly difficult to do yourself. I ran a chemical called B-12 chemtool through the gasoline and I also ran it in the oil (following the instructions on the bottle). I had been running 10w-30 weight conventional oil in it. After doing this stuff to it, I started using Mobil 1 5W-40 synthetic motor oil. After doing all of this the mileage jumped up to an average of 45 mpg, this is with fast starts and occasionally going 80 mph on the freeway.
I am fairly satisfied with the performance. When I bought my Metro I bought it from a mechanic, who took good care of it. I have topped it out at about 93 mph on flat freeway. If I push the engine a little bit, I have no problem getting up to speed on the interstate on-ramps, which are all uphill where I live. I can keep up with everyone else from the starting line during everyday driving. It would be nicer to have something faster for fun, but for all practical purposes this car is just fine.
23rd Mar 2007, 12:15
$50 for a clutch? Mine is starting to slip, and have been quoted CDN$900 including labour. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether it's worth replacing the clutch at this point - my car has 230,000 km, and seems to be mechanically sound, but am not sure how much mileage is left in the car. Thoughts anyone?