We’ve had a resurgence of non-spring-like weather here in the upper Midwest lately with temperatures in the 40s, but most of the country is ready for convertible season, I know that I am. This super clean badge-engineered drop-top is a 1992 Geo Metro convertible is listed here as a Barn Finds Classified. It’s located in Petaluma, California and the seller is asking $6,500.
The Geo Metro was a Suzuki Cultus but was also sold as the Suzuki Swift, and were also sold as GM’s M-body variations such as the Pontiac Firefly, Chevrolet Sprint, and Holden Barina in other markets. I’m holding out for a Chevrolet Sprint turbo but I wouldn’t mind a Geo Metro convertible, even though my head would probably stick above the windshield. I have to admit, I’ve never driven one or even sat in one before.
This is one of the nicest Geo Metro convertibles that I’ve seen and it should be since it only has 33,433 miles on it and no rust anywhere. I can personally do without the “wing” on the back and the graphics, but this thing looks almost like it just rolled off the showroom floor. The seller has provided a lot of great photos so check out the listing.
I don’t see a single flaw in or on this car at all, at least cosmetically, other than what appears to be a cigarette burn on the bottom of the driver’s seat and a couple of small nicks in the paint. Or maybe that’s just a small stain on the seat? The only thing I would do differently with this car would be to have it be a 5-speed manual rather than an Aisin Warner A210 three-speed automatic transmission. A convertible is fun anyway but shifting for yourself would add to the fun factor in this little car. That being said, everything looks almost perfect inside, right down to the small but probably big enough trunk space.
The engine is a favorite of mine, Suzuki’s 1.0L inline-triple with 55 horsepower. With only 33k miles on this one, it’s hardly broken in yet. Would any of you drive a Geo Metro convertible? I sure would.
This brings me back.
I remember about 20 years or so ago I was out in Downtown San Diego walking around the Gas Lamp. It was a weekend so the place was hopping. I suddenly realized as I was walking around I kept seeing the same Geo Metro convertible at almost every intersection being driven by two young men whose high and tights told me they were brand spanking new enlisted navy. They were probably under 21 and couldn’t get in anywhere. I suspect they though they’d go cruise downtown, pick up some ladies, have some fun, and do it all in their soft top Geo.
Judging from their facial expressions, it wasn’t working out.
FYI….that wing, was factory, those graphics, were factory, god forbid it had an aftermarket stereo, get off your highhorse, I’m tired of you nitpicking…
Factory or not, they’re period-correct as well. I peeled the decals off my bright blue ’92 Metro hatchback when I bought it in ’98, but wouldn’t do so to a survivor now.
You’re tired of me nitpicking?! I know they’re factory, that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t rather have this car without them. We all mentally modify vehicles here, I’m no different than anyone else in that regard. Please send in your application to be a writer here.
Scotty – keep on nitpicking away! Love it, especially since it´s always right on.
Look,,,RAYMOND,,,please don’t make the writers go on the defensive, they have a tough enough job writing about vehicles they may or may not know much about. Remember, it’s a job to them. I try and take their info to the next level, rather than admonishing their efforts. You want to complain, rip on these morons asking 5 figures for rust buckets, but unless you have some info to bolster their efforts, find another place. I suggest FB,,,
Don’t mind Raymond. Someone must have stolen his “get off my lawn” sign!”
A neighbor of mine had a car just like this, only green for sale. It was their daughters and had like 280K on it. I’d believe it was never worked on. The guy I rented from in N.Wis. “collected” Geo’s. All 3 cylinder, 5 speeds, and they all had 250K+. The rear axle would rust deeming them undriveable, and he’d find another. Gutless things, but I think he got like 40+ mpg. Ned Flanders drove a Geo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5EFS6WmxQQ
I had a 92 metro with 5 speed. Sold it to a friend. It now has 335k miles and still gets 38mpg. Other than clutch, plugs, wires, and oil changes…nothing done to motor.
I rented one in SW Florida before I moved here. I’m 6’2″ with a long spine. I fit fine. I would have to put a very large Mercedes logo on the back.
A slow car driven fast is always much more fun than a fast car driven slow. Ask all the local Lambro and Ferrari pilots. We just got our own Ferrari dealership; down next to the Walmart. They haven’t invited me to happy hour yet.
Paid $2,400 for a 5 Spd a few years ago and drove it for 3 months and sold it for $2,300. Actually not a bad ride. I would never consider an automatic version though.
I tip my hat to all the writers at Barnfinds. I like everything i read on here and drool over all the cars……even the ones i dont know. Yall keep up the good work!!!!
Wow!! Talk about a chick magnet!!
55 hp and autotragic…so slow you’ll be able to hear everyone laughing at you as you drive by.
$6500? If it was the Sprunt Turbi maybe…..I had a white 87 model….8 gallon gas tank and I’d go from Riverside Ca. to Vegas without stopping for fuel.
These Geo Metro convertibles in the rust belt rusted out in the front frame horns and at the rear rocker panels.This car looks like a nice body. Sorry, but the striping kit and wing are not a factory accessory but a dealer dress up. Many dealers added these. 5 speeds are better for gas mileage and more fun to drive but, some people prefer the automatics. The convertible 3 piece hard boot is missing and are a little pricey and hard to find. The light gray boot was only in 92 and 93. 90 and 91 had the dark Charcoal. The back window from the factory is heat pressed into the convertible top materiel. Not sure this maybe a replacement top or rear window. Looks to be missing the rear window top protector. These cars are one of my favorite cars. I’m really glad to see these cars on barn finds!
lota guys round here still look for these. Mostly the 3 cylinder 40MPGs models. May B that wuz when they were still ‘sukis?
Again, the waggys R 4 me…a hatch as 2nd choice. They had ’em both. Round here they even go for the samie – SAS, good off rd tires, bigger motor, etc
Were these ever available with a manual transmission? Every few months one of these will pop up on Craigslist and it always seems like it’s equipped with an automatic transmission or the ad doesn’t specify. Like another commenter here, I don’t think that I would want one with an automatic transmission.
This is also a car that makes me wonder why no one has (AFAIK) transplanted a Suzuki motorcycle engine into one of these.
Even though I consider this to be a ” chick car ” I would be interested in one with a manual transmission in some color besides red, maybe yellow or orchid/purple?
That spoiler was to keep the car stuck to the ground, to avoid flight when approaching top speed.
I’m looking for a 1992 Mercedes 500SL.
Why would anyone want to transplant a motorcycle engine – no matter how good – into this car? The original 1 liter mill was excellent, quasi bullet proof. As far as the automatic trans goes, the reason most of these came thusly equipped was that it was bought mostly by women. A manual trans is of course preferable-
Many were manual.
I had a 87 Chevy Turbo Sprint 5 speed with the 1.0 ltr 3 cylinder motor, made by Suzuki that I bought New in 87 in So Cal……basically like a motorcycle engine.