Arriving at the end of the 1980s, the first-generation Geo Metro replaced the Chevy Sprint, which was available in a very cool (if you’re into tiny, low-powered cars as I am) turbo version, which was missing from the Geo’s run. The seller has this almost like-new 1991 Geo Metro LSi Convertible posted here on craigslist in Mason City, Iowa, home of Meredith Wilson, who wrote the book, lyrics, and music for the play and movie The Music Man. Too obscure? Here is the original listing, and they’re asking $6,000 or best offer.
I’m partial to photos taken in storage facilities, as that’s where I keep most of my “stuff”, vehicle-wise. The 1989 to 1994 first-generation Metro came in this jaunty little two-door convertible, a two-door hatchback coupe, and a four-door sedan. They were based on the Suzuki Cultus and were surprisingly tough little cars. To prove that, this one has traveled 145,000 miles, according to the craigslist ad, and the seller says it’s in excellent condition, and it sure looks nice overall.
The only possible fly in the ointment (as nobody under 50 has ever said) is that the trunk lid appears a bit darker red, and the rear bumper area seems a bit wavy, with some possible damage on the lower left side, maybe? There’s no mention of it in the listing, but the gap in the bumper and left quarter looks a little iffy to me.
The interior looks perfect and has the all-important five-speed manual. We’ve seen a few of these cars over the years, and you want to shift for yourself with something this small and meek. That isn’t to say they aren’t fun to drive, because they are. Here’s the storage area behind the two front bucket seats. And fear not, this one does have a convertible top, and it appears in excellent condition.
The engine could use some detailing, and it’s a Suzuki 1.0-liter OHC inline-three with 55 horsepower and 58 lb-ft of torque. Backed by the five-speed manual sending power to the front wheels, the seller says it’s in excellent driving condition and has newer tires and some mechanical work. With whatever is going on in the back left corner, I’m not sure what kind of offers they’ll get, how much would you pay for this one?
pretty much a super-deluxe golf cart. could be cool for running around the senior housing development though.
This is a neat find and write up Scotty. Just to put things in perspective. We had an ’88 Ford Festiva ( say what you want but that little car was the epitome of the saying its fun to drive a slow car fast). It had a 1.3 litter 4 cylinder that was I believe 63 pavement ripping horsepower. This has a 3 cylinder and is smaller in displacement ( 1.0 liter) and yet is 55 hp. That’s actually quite impressive when you think about it. I don’t know what the weight difference is, my guess is this Geo should be lighter. Just like Howard mentions the manual transmissions being a harder sell, ( it’s such a shame so many people can’t drive a stick) I’ll say again that I wouldn’t want to take this on the highway. In the 240 miles I drove at work today I litterally lost count of how many people cut me off, squeezed their way in illegally from the right side of me, some actually driving on the margin lane. If I had this, secondary roads only.
Neat little car, and I hope someone enjoys it with the top down this summer.
My first new car was a 86 Chevy Sprint 5spd with a/c 👍 I paid it off in 89 with 100k miles on it, still in excellent condition 👏 I let my use it to visit her brother with a friend, well sad part of my story 😢 she rolled it while drunk 😔 they were 👍 but my precious car was totaled.
I used to visit friends in Ft. Lauderdale FL in winter to get out of the NW PA snow. I always got the cheapest rental car Enterprise had, usually they gave me something better for the cheap rate.
Once I got stuck with a GEO Metro, no upgrade. The only way I could keep up with traffic was to lock it in low gear and wind it out, then shift. It wasn’t terrible, but not a lot of fun either. And the price wasn’t bad.
I bought an 89 Sprint for $250 with a bad automatic with 130K on it. Swapped a junkyard 5 speed into it. And put another 100K on it. I couldn’t kill that thing. Got 50 mpg all day. Drove it all over the west.
The Suzuki Swift was the four cylinder JDM version of these, and they were actually pretty peppy.I think a few ‘Americanized” units were imported, as the Suzuki Metro?
I’m impressed with the hard shell tonneau cover. For a cheap car that’s quality. I think my over six foot cousin had one of these back in the day. I should ask him about it. Six thousand though for a high mileage Suzuki? Condition is impressive but I don’t think so.
I’ll attest to their durability. My high school had the basic two door ones as range practice vehicles for driver’s ed and when the teacher wasn’t paying attention we’d BEAT these things. They were so unbelievably slow. This Aussie chick in the class would frequently attempt neutral drops and actually managed to get one or two chirps. We mocked the cars mercilessly but they took the abuse and laughed at us.
This is perfect to tow the behind an RV.
I use to commute to work and I had a 91 red one and a 93 blue one both were great little cars 41 MPG cheap fun little Convertibles
now that’s the lill kind we like. A vert just adds to it.
Round here every time the gas prices go up we Still have the p/u drivers lookin for these. Just did a turbo/5 speed rest0mod to the maroon or reddish 4WD 1 in the brochure on the page here:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/cars-of-a-lifetime/1990-geo-metro-embracing-the-suzuki-method/
145K miles for $6K?!? Seriously?!?
I had a 1991 2-door coupe with the 5-speed, and it was a great little commuter car. Nothing like buying a 4-pack of plugs and having one left over :-)
I think $6K is too steep for this one. I could see $4K, though, assuming the front rails are in good nick.
I might be wrong, but I think that there was a turbo charged version of this car. I had a fried years ago that had one. he said it was dangerously fun! That might be the rarest find!
There used to be a TV show named Rust Valley Restorers. The lead “character” – Mike – used to drive around in a Pontiac Firefly convertible, which must have been what these were called in Canada.
It was hilarious to see this 6’8″ long haired guy tooling around in one of these.
I have a 93 Metro LSI Convertible. I have had this for 29 years and it still runs fine but the body and the paint have gone seriously down hill. The one comment about not taking it on an Interstate high speed rode is spot on. The car does not have enough power to keep it. The last time I took it on the freeway (and only for a short distance) I could have had a nervous breakdown when I got off. Cars were coming right up to the rear bumper honking and flashing their lites, foaming at the mouth to get around me. And when they did swerving back to cut me off. I have an Antique Vehicle tag on it. Can’t they tell the car is old? And doesn’t have much power? That’s the last time I’ll try that.
I do not believe it was a factory option. I’m sure there was an aftermarket turbo kit for it. I can’t imagine putting turbo pressure on that 3 cylinder engine. It would not last long. It might be fun while it lasted. Not much car to protect you if you got out of hand.
They made a Sprint Turbo, which was the predecessor of this car. It was a 1.0 liter 3 cylinder with an intercooled turbo:
“The Chevy Sprint Turbo was a sporty version of the Chevy Sprint, featuring a turbocharged and intercooled 1.0-liter inline-three engine. This small but potent engine produced 70 horsepower and 79 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the naturally aspirated Sprint. The Sprint Turbo was known for its quick acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in around 9.5 seconds. “
Thanks, I was pretty sure that I was not dreaming! Yes, a Turbocharged 3 cylinder!
I drive a 1600cc turbocharged Hyundai Santa Fe “plug-in” daily. I doubt if I will ever get through the Manuel, let alone all its features! Yet I was broken in on a 1600 CC MGA and simply am AMAZED at the combined power and performance of 1600 CC turbocharged modern engine! I also own a 1972 OTAS Grand Prix–essentially a Go-Kart on 814cc- now converted to a Fiat 1438CC motor. A turbo on this vehicle would launch a counterintuitive pocket-rocket. Just having a lot of fun! Thanks for confirming!
If the frame horns are okay, it’s not a bad price for today. It’s definitely good that it’s a five-speed, because the automatics barely get anywhere. I’ve had mine 25 years and drive it around the country, attending various GEO meets. It can handle the interstate just fine, although not at breakneck speeds. I have an aftermarket cruise control, and 73 mph is her sweet spot. You just have to put your foot on the gas pedal going up long hills. You get used to it, and having cruise control and working factory A/C makes a lot of difference when you need it. However, Fluffy sits in the garage with her top down most of the year, ready for her next adventure. These are surprisingly well-engineered cars that are easy to work on yourself.
Suzuki may have never done well selling cars in the U.S., but they are one of the top selling brands in Japan.
It must have a great combination of price/reliability/reputation.