I just drove a Metro and think liked it :)
Discussion
My grandad gave his K reg Metro to my kids for driving round the fields at the in laws, its a petrol 1.1 and I just drove it and it was pretty good fun, ok, its a right old banger but even old bangers sometimes do things better than newer more prestigous stuff, no dual mass flywheels, drive by wire throttles and other electronic stuff that gets in the way means it felt quite characterful.
The visibility is amazing, maneuverability is also great and it has a really willing and perky engine, the ride is really good and the handling is quite good fun, around town its is way better than my Saab.
We had the hallowed Peugeot 205 for the same role (1.1) and its way better than that ever was.
I feel dirty now......
The visibility is amazing, maneuverability is also great and it has a really willing and perky engine, the ride is really good and the handling is quite good fun, around town its is way better than my Saab.
We had the hallowed Peugeot 205 for the same role (1.1) and its way better than that ever was.
I feel dirty now......
Don't be ashamed, they are fun little cars and as you said the visibility and very basic controls with no PAS or ABS or anything which resembles safety means that you get go-kart style handling and feel exactly when the front is loosing grip when you push it. I am on my 5th one now as I can't find anything which is as quick, handles as well and is so cheap to own and run. If you are going to use it on the road or put a VVC into it then I would advise going onto www.metropower.org.uk and check out the forums for all the information you need on doing a conversion and other bits which you can do to improve the car and its stopping/handling abilities.
Mine currently has individualized hydrospastic suspension and cut rods to make it sit lower and also run higher PSi in each can which stiffens the suspention. I also have some other bits and pieces done which make it a bit better in the corners and also not sit miles off the ground.
Mine currently has individualized hydrospastic suspension and cut rods to make it sit lower and also run higher PSi in each can which stiffens the suspention. I also have some other bits and pieces done which make it a bit better in the corners and also not sit miles off the ground.
I am hoping the kids dont ruin it, mainly as it was my grandads and also, there arent that many left and I kind of like it and when money allows I would like to make it a "project" as apart from one rusty arch the shell is very good, could soon fit a repair section.
Before I bin the Diesel one that is there at the moment, is there anything worth nicking off it like Gearbox or Rad or anything ?
Before I bin the Diesel one that is there at the moment, is there anything worth nicking off it like Gearbox or Rad or anything ?
depends if it is a metro 1.4 derv or a rover 100 1.5 derv. The rover 100 derv has a bigger and better rad than the standards which is useful with the bigger engines. Otherwise just remove things which are in good condition like wings, wheels, bumpers etc.
Where abouts in the country are you? there might be people nearby who can help you with modifications and jobs on your car(s) for little money.
Where abouts in the country are you? there might be people nearby who can help you with modifications and jobs on your car(s) for little money.
Just took it out to nip to the local shop for some Dolmio, normally would walk but like a kid with a new toy, tragic I know but I love the way it drives, went up the road at the side of the shop, was in first and put my foot down, into second and slowed down, didn't get above 20 mph but turned round to park and the local "road captain" came rushing out with his 5 million candle power torch and shone it right in my face, couldnt see a thing ! this is a tragic individual that goes in the local, about 70 odd in a white shell suit that has been there done it, bigger, better, faster, for example had a nice Beef roast and went to the pub, he was there and came over to "chat", being polite I engaged and we got onto Sunday Roasts, apparently mine was crap as it wasn't some specific beef variety and the veg wasn't homegrown and shop bought Horseradish is evil.
So, this is about the third time he has objected to my driving, last two were in a MK2 Golf GTI, with a Magnex exhaust, never have I exceeded the speed limit or driven dangerously but it seems he sits there waiting for an opportunity to berate somebody based on noise output, can go past in my Saab flat out and he doesnt notice as its practically silent but a Metro with a slight exhaust blow is fair game.
I really need to have some fun at his expense !
So, this is about the third time he has objected to my driving, last two were in a MK2 Golf GTI, with a Magnex exhaust, never have I exceeded the speed limit or driven dangerously but it seems he sits there waiting for an opportunity to berate somebody based on noise output, can go past in my Saab flat out and he doesnt notice as its practically silent but a Metro with a slight exhaust blow is fair game.
I really need to have some fun at his expense !
TheLurker said:
If the car is to be driven round a field, I dont think it will last for long. I had a fiesta firld car, and it was great, but doing 80 over a rough field sideways does take its toll...
I will be supervising, they are 11, 13 and 15 so wont be letting them go mad, let them have some fun and then get a project going and put a bigger K series in it
OzzyR1 said:
Back in the day I had a Metro GTI with the 1.4 16v engine.
Awesome little car, not much could touch it on the B-roads.
Would have a decent condition one again tomorrow.
I had the same, loved that car..gave it death and it never faltered. Proper quick too with just shy of 120bhp (Motobuild tune) and about 800kgAwesome little car, not much could touch it on the B-roads.
Would have a decent condition one again tomorrow.
J4CKO said:
TheLurker said:
If the car is to be driven round a field, I dont think it will last for long. I had a fiesta firld car, and it was great, but doing 80 over a rough field sideways does take its toll...
I will be supervising, they are 11, 13 and 15 so wont be letting them go mad, let them have some fun and then get a project going and put a bigger K series in it
My cousin has a Rover 214 with the 1.4 K series engine in it. It's done I think 70k. I know it's less than my pug which is now on 96k. It's on its second engine and about the 6th head gasket which is also due a renewal soon by the way the cylinders were looking when we had the plugs out of it last summer due to it deciding it didnt want to run right.
Lost spark. Sparking on the king lead to the distributor. But no further. Changed the distributor over and the HTC leads. Worked perfectly for about 8 miles. Went to recover, checked sparks again. No spark, not even off the king lead. Coil pack failure. Where the hell do you get a coil pack for a Rover 214 from on a Sunday afternoon?
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