want to buy one

hi, I have decided that I am going to sell my grand am, and buy a metro!
I figure I should hopefully come out with a few extra $ in my pocket.
here are a few question I would like to know.
what year did they change the body? 95 or 96
not to the sedan, but rather the newer looking hatchback
I want to get a 3cyl, and am wondering if there is any differnce in the years? I know the early 90s had differnt rating on them, but I dont wnat an early 90s car, I am looking mid-late. those out there driving a stick, how many mpg do you normaly get? I know the 3 cyl are rated at 50, but my old tracer was rated at 35 and only got 30, and my grandam is rated at 30 and I have gotten as high as 33, so I am wondering in real world driving how are they doing?
what year did power steering come standard, I have driven vehicles without it before and its a nightmare, probably not as much with the metro, but still I am already bad enough at parellel parking
o and any other thigns I should know?

o one other thing
about how long do the engines last?
I have heard the 3cyl die around 100k-130K
but I have also hear they make it to 200k without much problem
whats the farthest anyone has made it without a rebuild?

plz get a civic it'll last longer go faster and cheaper insurance... driven both know what i'm talking about

well although a civic will go faster last longer ....
it also cost alot more, and wont touch a 3cyl on gas milage
I have looked at civics, and I cant afford a used one. and before I would shell out the cash for a civic, I would manage to find a vw tdi of some flavor.
I am less than concerned with speed, I had a 88tracer for the love of god, it had an auto tranny and a broken exhuast, the thing barely made it up hills
I am sure a metro will meet my needs and save on gas, price of car, and fixing it too.

If the 3 banger was beaten constantly, they usually die around 125k. If it's well taken care of, and driven nicely, they'll go for 200k+. Your best bet with a hatchback is find a 97'. They changed the body in 95, but the 95-96 have bad rust problems around the rear quarter panels. Power steering was never standard in them. In 95+ years, it was on option. I don't think it came on the 3cyl engines though. You might have to get the 1.3L 4cyl to get power steering. That usually comes with A/C and a nicer interior too.

Metros came without A/C? No one here in houston could drive a non a/c car in the summer.

I live in upstate NY(rochster) so though ac is nice, I can deal without it
how do the heaters go on them? keep me warm in the wonderful winter?

Ohhhh yeah. The heaters in the hatchbacks will burn you alive, heh. They start blowing warm air in about a mile of driving. They do really good in the snow with the pizza cutter tires :smokin: