1998 CHEVROLET METRO

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold starts, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil cap shows milky residue, Overheating under load or in summer traffic, Bubbles in coolant reservoir when running

Fix: Both head gaskets should be replaced together since the labor overlaps substantially. Requires head removal, resurfacing (almost always warped), new timing belt, water pump while you're in there. 8-10 labor hours at an indie shop. The 1.0L three-cylinder is particularly vulnerable due to thin casting and inadequate cooling between cylinders.

Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud rattling or knocking from front of engine, Visible wobble on crankshaft pulley while idling, Serpentine belt shredding or throwing off, Engine vibration that worsens with RPM, Check engine light with crankshaft position sensor codes

Fix: The rubber bonding layer between the inner hub and outer ring deteriorates and separates. If the outer ring flies off, it can take out the timing belt, radiator, or AC lines—resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Replacement is straightforward but requires a puller. 2-3 labor hours. DO NOT drive once you see wobble.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between 1st and 2nd gear, Harsh or delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Transmission overheating (burned smell), No movement in any gear after warm-up, Metal shavings visible in pan during fluid change

Fix: The 3-speed automatic is a weak point—undersized for even this lightweight car. Rebuilds often aren't worth it due to parts scarcity and core condition. Used transmissions from junkyards are the common fix. 6-8 hours labor for R&R, but finding a good used unit is the real gamble. Manual transmission models are far more reliable.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Excessive engine movement visible when revving in park, Vibration through shifter and floorboards, Difficulty engaging gears smoothly (manual transmission)

Fix: The rear transmission mount deteriorates and allows excessive powertrain movement. This is especially noticeable on manual transmission models where it affects shift quality. Replacement is simple and should include all three motor mounts if they're original. 1.5-2 hours labor for the trans mount alone.

Estimated cost: $150-300

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Clutch pedal sinks to floor and stays there, Spongy or inconsistent clutch pedal feel, Difficulty shifting with pedal depressed, Fluid leak visible at master or slave cylinder

Fix: The clutch master or slave cylinder fails, often the slave first. Since labor to access the slave requires transmission removal, smart shops replace both cylinders plus the clutch kit if mileage is over 100K. Clutch-only is 4-5 hours; adding hydraulics is minimal extra labor once you're in there.

Estimated cost: $600-1,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Engine stumbling or cutting out under acceleration, Hard starting after sitting overnight, Stalling at idle or when coming to a stop, Loss of power on highway inclines

Fix: The inline fuel filter gets neglected since it's tucked along the frame rail and not in the maintenance schedule most owners follow. These cars are often bought cheap and run on bottom-tier gas, accelerating filter clogging. If the filter hasn't been changed in 50K miles, start there before chasing sensors. 0.5-1 hour labor.

Estimated cost: $80-150