Why is the Metro suddenly appealing to me?
Discussion
This seems to be a recurring thing, every few weeks I quite fancy buying a different car for no logical reason whatsoever. I have only ever gone through with it once, when I bought the Panda, but something tells me this could be different.
So, as some of you might know, I'm in University, and there's no real reason for me to own a car; I live 10 minutes away from the campus, and work is pretty much across the road, but since selling the Fiat, I've just wanted a car; I miss those days when I have nothing to do, so just go for a drive, and before people start saying 'where's the fun in that, it was only a Panda!', it's all I've been able to afford on insurance, sub £300 a year for a 22 year old is pretty damn good, especially when the more PH friendly stuff is £1k+.
For some unknown reason, I've taken quite a shine to the old Austin Metro/Rover 100. I would have been a lot more interested in the MG one, but the insurance was just too much, and besides, I've moved on from being 17 and thinking it'll be identical to the 6R4 rally car. I've done a bit of digging, and the Austin versions seem to be either rusty as hell and therefore very cheap, barried up to f
k, or one of those mint ones that old Geoffrey bought when it was new, has done under 10k in it, and it's in concourse condition, and out of my budget by a long shot. But the Rover version seems to be remarkably cheap, I've been looking at ones from around 1995-1997ish, and the ones on Autotrader all seem to have done under 40k, are in pretty good nick, but are advertised for £6-800. I'm guessing the case here is Ethel and Geoffrey have owned them from new, only gone to the shops once a week in them, but have managed to get some sort of shiny new thing on Motability and are just getting rid. A few of the ones I've seen so far seem to be automatic as well, I'd prefer a manual though if I'm honest. And insurance doesn't seem to be a problem, it's around the same as the Panda was, and this is for the 1.4, the 1.1 is even cheaper still, although being a man I instantly want the bigger engine.
I know the crash test on them was atrocious, but remember, before the Panda, I had a Fiat Seicento which felt like it was made of tissue paper, so this isn't really an issue for me. I'm really struggling to see the downsides, it's extraordinarily cheap motoring, to think at 22 I can buy and insure one for sub £1000 is pretty good. Yes, it won't be as refined as the Panda (if you can call a Panda refined), it'll be slower, less economical and probably less reliable. But I'm not too bothered about any of that; I'm not going to be doing huge mileage in it; the idea is it'll be something to do when I'm bored, either tinkering with it or driving it about.
So, what do PH think?
So, as some of you might know, I'm in University, and there's no real reason for me to own a car; I live 10 minutes away from the campus, and work is pretty much across the road, but since selling the Fiat, I've just wanted a car; I miss those days when I have nothing to do, so just go for a drive, and before people start saying 'where's the fun in that, it was only a Panda!', it's all I've been able to afford on insurance, sub £300 a year for a 22 year old is pretty damn good, especially when the more PH friendly stuff is £1k+.
For some unknown reason, I've taken quite a shine to the old Austin Metro/Rover 100. I would have been a lot more interested in the MG one, but the insurance was just too much, and besides, I've moved on from being 17 and thinking it'll be identical to the 6R4 rally car. I've done a bit of digging, and the Austin versions seem to be either rusty as hell and therefore very cheap, barried up to f
k, or one of those mint ones that old Geoffrey bought when it was new, has done under 10k in it, and it's in concourse condition, and out of my budget by a long shot. But the Rover version seems to be remarkably cheap, I've been looking at ones from around 1995-1997ish, and the ones on Autotrader all seem to have done under 40k, are in pretty good nick, but are advertised for £6-800. I'm guessing the case here is Ethel and Geoffrey have owned them from new, only gone to the shops once a week in them, but have managed to get some sort of shiny new thing on Motability and are just getting rid. A few of the ones I've seen so far seem to be automatic as well, I'd prefer a manual though if I'm honest. And insurance doesn't seem to be a problem, it's around the same as the Panda was, and this is for the 1.4, the 1.1 is even cheaper still, although being a man I instantly want the bigger engine.I know the crash test on them was atrocious, but remember, before the Panda, I had a Fiat Seicento which felt like it was made of tissue paper, so this isn't really an issue for me. I'm really struggling to see the downsides, it's extraordinarily cheap motoring, to think at 22 I can buy and insure one for sub £1000 is pretty good. Yes, it won't be as refined as the Panda (if you can call a Panda refined), it'll be slower, less economical and probably less reliable. But I'm not too bothered about any of that; I'm not going to be doing huge mileage in it; the idea is it'll be something to do when I'm bored, either tinkering with it or driving it about.
So, what do PH think?
My mum used to have one (N Reg, 1.1) and it was - shock horror - pretty reliable 
although a combination of HGF, rust, and main dealer prices finished off her ownership after 7 years, I still see it trundling about from time to time 
They're meant to be pretty reasonable to drive, 'nippy' is a word that's batted about a fair bit to describe them, make of that what you will. The K-series engine is actually a very nice piece of kit for this end of the market, revvy, reasonably economical and even if the head gasket does go (this is only a common problem on the 1.8's, nothing like as common on the 1.1's and 1.4's, we were just unlucky!) it really isn't a big job to fix it. Also once fixed once with an uprated gasket it shouldn't go again.
Big thing to check is definitely rust, I know the rear arches are very bad for it, not sure of other areas but there are a couple of good forums around
One thing that is worth a look at is the VVC/1.8 Turbo engine swaps, bonkers little machines, as soon as I've got the cash I'll be doing the swap! Can be done for not a lot of money at all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0glZaNbJdn8&fea...
although a combination of HGF, rust, and main dealer prices finished off her ownership after 7 years, I still see it trundling about from time to time They're meant to be pretty reasonable to drive, 'nippy' is a word that's batted about a fair bit to describe them, make of that what you will
. The K-series engine is actually a very nice piece of kit for this end of the market, revvy, reasonably economical and even if the head gasket does go (this is only a common problem on the 1.8's, nothing like as common on the 1.1's and 1.4's, we were just unlucky!) it really isn't a big job to fix it. Also once fixed once with an uprated gasket it shouldn't go again.Big thing to check is definitely rust, I know the rear arches are very bad for it, not sure of other areas but there are a couple of good forums around
One thing that is worth a look at is the VVC/1.8 Turbo engine swaps, bonkers little machines, as soon as I've got the cash I'll be doing the swap! Can be done for not a lot of money at all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0glZaNbJdn8&fea...
Don't let the horror stories put you off. It's heavily influenced by the mini underneath, and that was hardly known for being crap in corners. If it's inflated properly the suspension gives an extremely impressive ride for the size of the car, and has been mentioned, a 1.8 turbo or VVC conversion makes them fly.
I am totally biased as I have one but you need a few things in mind when you are talking about buying a metro, most importantly;
Buy on the body condition, NOT the mechanicals. The mechanicals are very simple stuff, no PAS or ABS to worry about and it costs less than £100 to sort out HGF! Metro's rust, it doesn't matter how much you underseal or protect, all of them will rust somewhere. Mine has 62k on the clock and had 2 small patches on the floor and still has original arches, not bad for a 17 year old metro.
You can get them to handle REALLY well(see classic mini) quite cheaply, the suspention is a fluid based system so individualising the hydrogas canisters and putting the pressure upto 400-450 psi transforms the handling.
Wheels are limited as the PCD is quite an odd one but GTi wheels and factory wide steelies are popular, dependant on whant look you are after.
Interior, interchangable between different K series models so you cna fit GTi interior into a R100 1.1 if you wanted.
Engines, anything from a 1.1 8v to a 1.8 turbo have been fitted to one metro or another so you are only limited there by insurance and your own ability to mechanically tinker.
Brakes, most popular upgrade is MGF vented brakes but you can fit MGF Trophy 2pots if you fit the right wheels
Thats a really basic overview, any questions or w/e then I would be happy to answer them. If you are local to Southport then pop over and I will take you out in my one!
Buy on the body condition, NOT the mechanicals. The mechanicals are very simple stuff, no PAS or ABS to worry about and it costs less than £100 to sort out HGF! Metro's rust, it doesn't matter how much you underseal or protect, all of them will rust somewhere. Mine has 62k on the clock and had 2 small patches on the floor and still has original arches, not bad for a 17 year old metro.
You can get them to handle REALLY well(see classic mini) quite cheaply, the suspention is a fluid based system so individualising the hydrogas canisters and putting the pressure upto 400-450 psi transforms the handling.
Wheels are limited as the PCD is quite an odd one but GTi wheels and factory wide steelies are popular, dependant on whant look you are after.
Interior, interchangable between different K series models so you cna fit GTi interior into a R100 1.1 if you wanted.
Engines, anything from a 1.1 8v to a 1.8 turbo have been fitted to one metro or another so you are only limited there by insurance and your own ability to mechanically tinker.
Brakes, most popular upgrade is MGF vented brakes but you can fit MGF Trophy 2pots if you fit the right wheels
Thats a really basic overview, any questions or w/e then I would be happy to answer them. If you are local to Southport then pop over and I will take you out in my one!
SlowStig said:
Wheels are limited as the PCD is quite an odd one but GTi wheels and factory wide steelies are popular, dependant on whant look you are after.
MGF/TF alloys are the same 4x95.25mm PCD. Offset should be the same considering the MGF is based on two Metro front subframes...davepoth said:
MGF/TF alloys are the same 4x95.25mm PCD. Offset should be the same considering the MGF is based on two Metro front subframes...
Correct but to fit the smallest MGF/TF wheels you ideally need your arches rolling as they will catch on the radius arms so you need to grind them and they catch on the arch lip too! I am eyeing up a cheap MGF rear subby to fit into the front of my metro with the PG1 box but it may require the car off the road for quite a while...SlowStig said:
Correct but to fit the smallest MGF/TF wheels you ideally need your arches rolling as they will catch on the radius arms so you need to grind them and they catch on the arch lip too! I am eyeing up a cheap MGF rear subby to fit into the front of my metro with the PG1 box but it may require the car off the road for quite a while...
I come at this from Triumph Dolomites, Rover Metro alloys are just right for those, some people run the MGF alloys for racing though.
yours does look ace!SlowStig said:
I am totally biased as I have one but you need a few things in mind when you are talking about buying a metro, most importantly;
Buy on the body condition, NOT the mechanicals. The mechanicals are very simple stuff, no PAS or ABS to worry about and it costs less than £100 to sort out HGF! Metro's rust, it doesn't matter how much you underseal or protect, all of them will rust somewhere. Mine has 62k on the clock and had 2 small patches on the floor and still has original arches, not bad for a 17 year old metro.
You can get them to handle REALLY well(see classic mini) quite cheaply, the suspention is a fluid based system so individualising the hydrogas canisters and putting the pressure upto 400-450 psi transforms the handling.
Wheels are limited as the PCD is quite an odd one but GTi wheels and factory wide steelies are popular, dependant on whant look you are after.
Interior, interchangable between different K series models so you cna fit GTi interior into a R100 1.1 if you wanted.
Engines, anything from a 1.1 8v to a 1.8 turbo have been fitted to one metro or another so you are only limited there by insurance and your own ability to mechanically tinker.
Brakes, most popular upgrade is MGF vented brakes but you can fit MGF Trophy 2pots if you fit the right wheels
Thats a really basic overview, any questions or w/e then I would be happy to answer them. If you are local to Southport then pop over and I will take you out in my one!
Did a 200 BRM die to make that front end?Buy on the body condition, NOT the mechanicals. The mechanicals are very simple stuff, no PAS or ABS to worry about and it costs less than £100 to sort out HGF! Metro's rust, it doesn't matter how much you underseal or protect, all of them will rust somewhere. Mine has 62k on the clock and had 2 small patches on the floor and still has original arches, not bad for a 17 year old metro.
You can get them to handle REALLY well(see classic mini) quite cheaply, the suspention is a fluid based system so individualising the hydrogas canisters and putting the pressure upto 400-450 psi transforms the handling.
Wheels are limited as the PCD is quite an odd one but GTi wheels and factory wide steelies are popular, dependant on whant look you are after.
Interior, interchangable between different K series models so you cna fit GTi interior into a R100 1.1 if you wanted.
Engines, anything from a 1.1 8v to a 1.8 turbo have been fitted to one metro or another so you are only limited there by insurance and your own ability to mechanically tinker.
Brakes, most popular upgrade is MGF vented brakes but you can fit MGF Trophy 2pots if you fit the right wheels
Thats a really basic overview, any questions or w/e then I would be happy to answer them. If you are local to Southport then pop over and I will take you out in my one!
Get one!!
My first car was a '91 Metro (1.1C) and I loved it. Still miss it 8 years later. I had it for 6 years and apart from the rear suspension needing replaced in its 10th year it was mechanically sound and never had a thing wrong with it. I found it quite solid and surprisingly nippy! As said they all get eaten by rust eventually - rear arches are particularly prone - but don't let that put you off. They're great fun cars and quite rare around here these days.
My first car was a '91 Metro (1.1C) and I loved it. Still miss it 8 years later. I had it for 6 years and apart from the rear suspension needing replaced in its 10th year it was mechanically sound and never had a thing wrong with it. I found it quite solid and surprisingly nippy! As said they all get eaten by rust eventually - rear arches are particularly prone - but don't let that put you off. They're great fun cars and quite rare around here these days.
We had a 1.1 Metro which I used to use as a station car. It was a hateful thing and humiliating to be seen in.
I loved it. It's actually the best car in the world for driving flat out everywhere as it's about the only thing slow enough to never trouble a gatso while being comunicative. Surprisingly good in the snow too. More oddly, it's the only thing I've own which someone has attempted to steel. Even more oddly, they failed to hot wire it as they tried attacking the fuse box. Weird
I loved it. It's actually the best car in the world for driving flat out everywhere as it's about the only thing slow enough to never trouble a gatso while being comunicative. Surprisingly good in the snow too. More oddly, it's the only thing I've own which someone has attempted to steel. Even more oddly, they failed to hot wire it as they tried attacking the fuse box. Weird
It's a st scandal sheet published by the same slime who push out the Daily Mail - both targetted at ignorant bigots and casual racists - don't read it!!
Oh the CAR!!
In it's day it was brilliant - properly brilliant. Compared to the small cars it competed with it was comfortable, easy to drive, rode well, was roomier and simply a better 'shopping car'.
Time has moved on tho and they were never made that well so GOD help you now...
t scandal sheet published by the same slime who push out the Daily Mail - both targetted at ignorant bigots and casual racists - don't read it!!Oh the CAR!!
In it's day it was brilliant - properly brilliant. Compared to the small cars it competed with it was comfortable, easy to drive, rode well, was roomier and simply a better 'shopping car'.
Time has moved on tho and they were never made that well so GOD help you now...
'Back in the day' Two of our gang members (we were not cool) had Metro's. Morgan had a 1.0 bottom of the range really embarassing brown shed must have been an A reg, big Mark had an MG Metro think this was a B reg. Two completely different cars. The MG metro was fantastic, went like stink, sounded fantastic, had sports seats with red trimming and a glass sunroof. Was a sad day when someone drove into it and wrote it off.
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