Confession: I bought a Geo Metro....

[BigElCat]

I've been deliberating all week about how to break this news...There's just no easy way.

I'm still in love with my Festiva, even though the motor is wearing out. I was looking into a B6 swap, but I'm working 6 days a week. I haven't decided what my next step will be for "Festus". Maybe a BP? It definitely needs new CV joints/axles. I'm not close to giving up on this baby.

But I saw a '92 Metro XFI for sale a block away from my house. The XFI is said to be one of the most fuel efficient cars sold in North America. 1liter 3 banger and all that. This one does have the rust problem that is the Achilles of the Metros, the front frame horns, but I think I can drive it awhile and do a repair.

I'll be sure to share any Metro horror stories that come along. I could even post a pic if anyone is interested.

[Charlie1717]

Nice man! Get some pics! I know there are still quite a few of us who like geo's as well. Also you got the xfi so it is hard to argue with those mpgs. I hope it last a long time for you!

[GenevaDirt]

Confession.....I am going to ban you if you mention that wanna be car again!!!!































































j/k.........maybe

[kellen302]

Parent Quote: Im not angry with you, Im just very dissapointed... lol

[Charlie1717]

Parent Quote: Im not angry with you, Im just very dissapointed... lol

Parent Quote continued: What your mother is trying to say, I thought we raised you better than this.

[getnpsi]

Mileage records are set by cars that are still running remember. Festivas are still running, and owners aren't selling right now.

[200KGPGTP]

I have ALWAYS wanted an XFi. Festys are just a tad more reliable/abundant/practical. Mileage suffers though.

[Oren09]

I am getting a board together to have you excommunicated.

[SuperDaveGulvak]

Hey man I know you just bought it for the rims no harm no foul :tongue3:

[ericsmith32]

You're from Paola so we'll give you a little lee-way... I kid. Sometimes you do what you gotta do. The Metro will probably wear you out quick so don't get rid of the Festiva. Sounds like alot of dead Festiva's down there maybe Marcus needs to go clean up!

[Banana Bonanza]

Downside of Metros is indeed the rust and that engine is expensive with no easy bolt in substitutes. Festiva can use other plentiful B6 engines as direct bolt in. I have always wondered how hard it would be to adapt a Festiva/323 drivetrain into a Metro or Justy. Not sure if they were generous enough with space to physically fit it. And one would have to splice axles.

Guess if I needed a replacement for my Festy and couldnt find another reasonable priced, I'd probably go for a 323 or a Tracer. Even though those cars were 500 pound heavier, they had the nice robust Mazda drivetrain that I am familiar with. Hmm, wonder if you could strip 500 pounds of weight off a 323 without making it more unsafe.

[DriverOne]

Sandblast the rust and spray bedliner under the car! I say this to everyone with this issue. Especially the people from the salt states.

[bhazard]

Sandblast the rust and spray bedliner under the car! I say this to everyone with this issue. Especially the people from the salt states.

The issue isnt surface rust or scale. The area of the frame where the front control arms mount tends to rot out.

That said, the XFI is the ultimate MPG machine. Besides a 1st gen Insight. I think I'd take either.

[DriverOne]

The issue isn't surface rust or scale. The area of the frame where the front control arms mount tends to rot out.

Bad steel?

[Safety Guy]

My guess is the design results in retention of salt and corrosives. Metros have their control arm pivot body points susceptible to rot just like our Festivas can get bad in front of the rear wheels. It's just that Metros don't take as long to get bad.

Karl