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.
Anyone interested in this better look it over closely. I have some friends who are motor home owners and their tow behinds usually have lots of chips in the paint on the front. Also those hitch assemblies often require cutting the grill or bumper cover, which is probably why the hitch is still on the car.
Thats what I was thinking about the hitch. Could be some major damage!
I worked in a Chevy dealer when those were new ( along with the Sprint’s/ Nova’s).
Ill never forget customers complaint on one RO for an automatic convertible with A/C….
CUST STATES IDLES LIKE SOLID MOUNT HARLEY WHEN A/C IS ON….
ME: CUST IS CORRECT, IT DOES! NO PROBLEM FOUND……..
Now I did test drive, scan, and compare to another new one on the lot….. Basically wasted an hrs worth of time…. What a turd!!!
I spent 20 years in a GM parts department. Customer came in one day wanting a timing belt for a Metro. Turns out he left it in first gear after cozying it up to the RV. Then dragged it 3 hours up the highway. I never calculated the RPMs that poor car was turning until the engine said no more. We assured him a belt was not going to fix the problem.
On the other hand my brother had one and it was pretty much indestructible. Good little cars.
Worked for a crop consulting company during my summers off from college from 91-94. Our fleet of field vehicles consisted of 2 Chevy S10s and 1 Chevy Sprint. Bosses had full size 4wd pickups, but all of them were 5 speed manuals. It was a race to grab the Sprint. Mainly because it could drive through more challenging field conditions than the 2wd S10s (they could get stuck on damp asphalt). Was working with a young, husky gal one day and we got the Sprint stuck in sand. She and I lifted the front of the car and moved it over on some more solid ground. Jumped back in and drove off. That poor car took a beating over the years and ate it. The on l y time it really struggled was when we had 4 dudes in it and each of us weighed between 225 and 250 lbs. We were well above its capacity. Cute little car, but not $9k cute.
Just found a white one on Facebook Marketplace Green Bay, Wi for $3000 with 71k miles.
Typical Lynwood car dealership wants $8+k for a $3,500 dollar car its already equipped to tow it home the good thing with it is its under 2000lbs so except for California and one other state you don’t have to have the required brake buddy when dragging it behind your RV. I am in the market for a little tow vehicle but I will pass on this
No air conditioning.
We had one with a/c.
Miss that car.
When I owned my car rental co in the 90’s I had 4 of these as coupes. That 3 cy motor is great. When from So Cal to Lake Tahoe to visit a friend at lake Tahoe over a 3 day weekend and it zoomed up Hiwy 395 over the mountains at 70 mph and still got 40 mpg. Looks great as a convertible too.
Good luck to the happy buyer. As a small car lover, you will be happy with this car.
My toad is a Mini and two small holes in the front grill were cut for the hitch. there’s very little wear if everything is set up correctly.
I don’t like that brand of hitch though, mine disconnects completely. I would not want that extra weight hanging on to the front of the car.
I almost bought a 1991 new but instead got a Mercury Capri XR2 turbo. Much better choice and has a small back seat to boot.