Craigslist Find of the Day: 1992 Geo Metro convertible
We've seen the values for older Geo Metro's skyrocket when fuel costs wer, um, skyrocketing. We've also wondered out loud if the perceived value is an accurate representation of what the cars should really sell for. Sure, getting 50 or more miles to the gallon is awesome, but the lack of modern conveniences, safety features and emissions technology are three major black marks against using the used vehicles as daily transportation. In any case, the high asking prices for used Metro's is still going on unabated, as evidenced by today's Craigslist Find of the Day.
Located in Aurora, Colorado, this 1992 Geo Metro LSI convertible has seen only 42,000 miles pass under its undercarriage. The 1.0-liter three cylinder engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission, making this the most fuel efficient convertible you are likely to ever run across. There are only four pictures, but the red car certainly appears at first glance to be in excellent shape. Asking price: $6,200. Is it worth it?
[Source: Craigslist via Jalopnik (cached)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MemphisNET 1:19PM (11/04/2008)
It's worth it if you're into niche ''classic'' or future-classic cars. But to use as a daily-driver, I'd say no. I mean, if it's in the excellent condition -- why would you want to wear it out? I have a 1976 Chevette GT in show-room condition. Yes, a Chevette. I drive it a few times in the summer and thats about it. I like it for what it is, a piece of history.
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KevinH 1:22PM (11/04/2008)
I can't comment on the value, but as for "There are only four pictures..." that is not due to a "lazy" seller ... that is the limit CraigsList places on photo uploads.
I once owned a 1990ish Chevy Sprint (also a 1 ltr, 3 banger) and if I recall correctly, I got near 50 MPG highway. Is there a market for these at all?
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jAY 1:43PM (11/04/2008)
Writer says
but the lack of modern conveniences, safety features and emissions technology are three major black marks against using the used vehicles as daily transportation
Writer probably has never even seen or ridden in one. Of course car has seatbelts/safety equipment/smog equipment for the year it was made. For sure it will not be up to par with the safety features/emissions tech of a newer 2008 vehicle.
I personally ride a 96 geo metro. Very basic - no ac, 5 speed. Air bags driver/passenger, seat belts and of course full smog equipment. At 87K miles, just got 48mpg on last fillup. HAd they only improved this car, it would be a good seller at this time. Got mine for 1.4K 4 yrs ago (not convertible though - seats 4 confortably). At 6.5K, overpriced even for a convertible not unless you plan mothballing it as a collector car. Compare the mpg to a 20K smart car that can only seat 2.
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 3:11PM (11/04/2008)
Yes, the writer (that would be me) has been in one many times before, but never driving. Your point is well made, but it echoes mine. The early '90s Metro, as seen in this ad, met the safety and emissions standards for the year it was manufactured, not for today.
JK
oollyoumn 2:05PM (11/04/2008)
Having owned a 95 Geo Metro, I can say without hesitation, NO, it is not worth the money.
If I remember correctly, buying at invoice and with $3,500 off from my GM card, it was about the price of this one.
It was a crappy car. But my wife had, and like a small hatch, so I thought i would replace it with the one of the very few available at that time. Even thought her old car had about 150k mi, there were several time she stated she would rather have her old car back.
The car was hit after about 2 year, and even though the Metro was not a total loss, I sold it wrecked and kept the insurance money. I just couldn't tell a potential buyer that it was even an OK car.
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JamesWB 5:44AM (11/05/2008)
Why is this green? Low MPG does not always = green.
You could get a much cleaner/better car for the money.
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dann bohn 7:43PM (11/05/2008)
this car is sixteen years old, for 6200 bucks? My 2002 Honda Civic was only 8500! in short: not even a little bit.
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Gary 3:09PM (12/06/2008)
I happen to know (for sure) that this seller of that GEO convertible has lowered his price to $4800. Now---on whether or not it is worth that, had oil kept rising to $200 per barrel, that car would have been worth it. Oil probably now is going to $30 to $35 and may stay there for a bit. But for sure--- it will go back up and top $200. But by then, all car makers will be producing super fuel efficient cars and a Geo Metro will just get average or less than all the other cars. So if you got one, as I do, don't hold out any hope for another price rise. You HAD your chance to cash in.
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mike 11:22PM (12/11/2008)
I just bought a geo Metro Convertible spent $500 for it and put about $2500.. in it, new paint job, new top, rugs, new stereo/dvd system, rims,struts, rugs, and it was def. worth it. The car gets great mileage, looks and drives great, people ask me everywhere what type of car it is, is it new, where can they get one.....one dude was talking on a cell phone to his wife and said where could he get one, didn't even dawn on him that it was a 1991. so should I spend 30k + on a new version of what today is called "Green" or buy an older car and fix it up and still be green for under under $3000.... abd for those who question the emissions, the japanese were way ahead of us in 1991.....
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Tim 9:49PM (2/07/2009)
I've got a white Metro Convertible (2nd one) last summer for $2200. Excellent condition (still it needs a new top) I just fininshed transforming it into a GEO Metro GT. What that means is that I took all the entire drive train/wiring harness from a Suzuki Swift GT and put all of it into my Metro converitble. I drove it for the first time yesterday. You have no idea how much power the 1.3 hp GT engine has in a light weight metro. In first gear rolling, punch it and the front tires start smoking and squeeling, grab second and again smoke & squeel. I hit 100 in 1/4 mile just after shifting into 4th gear. Where does it go after 5th??? who knows. It now has 4 wheel disc brakes and 14" GT aluminum wheels. After I install a roll bar I plan to race it in autocross but I also plan to go out to the west coast this summer with it. Can't wait to see the look on the faces of the young kids when this old man in a Geo Metro convertible blows them away ha ha. But getting back to the value of the red one for sale, you'd have to want to it really bad to pay more than $3,000 for it. I shopped for a year to find the white one I have, I had the trashed out GT for 2years waiting for the right convertible to come along. If I was still looking for one at this time I would pass it by because there are less expensive ones out there.
Gooday!
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bill 3:33PM (3/04/2009)
is it the light or is the under hood of that car a different color? I am working on my 1992 metro convert, as i write this. My answer to 6000.00 for that covert is are ya smokin sumthin and if so share.
Tim 8:08PM (3/04/2009)
Why? Bill did you send me this?
Irv Rich 5:37PM (5/20/2009)
Hi Tim,
I'm a 71yo quadraplegic, former Marine, gearhead, who just bought a '92 Geo Metro Convertible. I would LOVE to put a 1.3 or 1.6 liter, DOC, motor in it ! Did you have any trouble with the installation ? I was thinking of trying to put the complete front and rear suspension in with the engine.
May I call you ? I'm at : IARich@comcast.net (203)924-6639, in Shelton, Ct.
Regards,
Irv Rich
Irv Rich 5:19PM (5/08/2009)
Is your Geo Metro convertible still for sale ?
Thanks
Irv Rich
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