Some classics are definitely weekend warriors, while others could comfortably serve as affordable daily drivers. This 1991 Geo Metro LSi Convertible falls into the second category, and most of its life has been spent hooked to the back of an RV. It has been let off the leash and is ready to find a new home. With only 41,000 miles on the clock, it should provide years of motoring fun for its next owner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Metro listed here on Craigslist in Lynnwood, Washington. The seller set their price for this tiny classic at $8,888.
Released for the 1989 model year, the First Generation Metro range remained on sale until 1994. The company offered buyers a choice of three body styles, with the first owner ordering this Metro in 1991 as a Convertible. It presents exceptionally well in Bright Red with a contrasting Black soft-top. The Stowmaster hitch attached to the front tells us much about its history. The Metro has spent most of its life hooked to the back of an RV, only released when the owner had landed in an RV Park. Therefore, its lack of cosmetic issues is unsurprising. The paint holds a dazzling, consistent shine, and the panels are free from bumps and bruises. The top fits extremely well, while the trim and glass are in good condition. Rounding out the package is a sweet little set of 13″ alloy wheels that lift the appearance further.
The Metro was built to a price point, a fact confirmed by the expanses of hard interior plastic. However, the cloth seat covers and features like the airbag and factory tachometer provide a more luxurious feel. The overall condition is consistent with the odometer reading, with no significant wear or evidence of deterioration. The Dark Grey plastic could make the interior look somber, but by adding the lighter Grey cloth and Red seat piping, the interior looks surprisingly inviting. It is essentially original, with the AM/FM radio/CD player the only obvious addition.
The Metro is straight from the Suzuki playbook, featuring the 1.0-liter “G10” three-cylinder motor under the hood. The power and torque figures of 55hp and 58 ft/lbs are, to be diplomatic, quite modest. However, with the ponies feeding to Planet Earth via a five-speed manual transmission and a curb weight of only 1,760 lbs, the Metro can be a bit of a surprise packet. It will never set drag strips alight, but in heavy city traffic and on twisting roads, it is quite entertaining if the driver avoids large bumps and holes. The engine’s reputation for longevity is quite astounding, with some sources indicating that these motors can clock 300,000 miles without problems if maintained appropriately. The seller states that this Metro has only 41,000 miles on the clock, and given the life it has led, the figure is plausible. It is a turnkey proposition, and with the ability to return fuel consumption figures well north of 40mpg, it could immediately serve as a practical daily driver.
Although some readers might disagree, there is a growing band of enthusiasts who find small classics with modest engines quite attractive. They typically aren’t jets in a straight line, but they can provide enormous fun under the right circumstances. This 1991 Neo Metro LSi Convertible should fall into that category, genuinely coming alive on twisting roads. However, its tiny dimensions and impressive fuel consumption figures could make it ideal for anyone who tackles the cut-and-thrust of city traffic every day. The seller’s price is well above the market average, but it isn’t unprecedented for a survivor with a low odometer reading. If you’ve been searching for a pocket-size classic or an unusual daily driver, could this Metro be a contender?
Figured a manual being a tow behind.
Would be a great around town car. Good mileage and lots of sun. What more could you want?
I’d want to know what damage that hitch has caused though. And I’d want to have the drive train checked out as well.