1994 CHEVROLET METRO

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, especially on cold starts, Coolant consumption with no visible leaks, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Overheating under load, Rough idle and loss of power

Fix: Requires cylinder head removal, resurfacing (often warped .008-.015 inches), new head gasket set, timing belt, and water pump while apart. Budget 8-12 hours labor for a thorough job including valve adjustment and checking for cracks. Many shops find minor head cracks requiring replacement head.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under car, Pink or red fluid dripping from front of vehicle, Slipping or delayed shifts from low fluid, Cooler lines rusted through at radiator connection points

Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they connect to the radiator, especially in salt-belt states. Replace both lines (not just the leaking one) and flush the transmission. Sometimes the radiator end tanks are corroded requiring radiator replacement too. 2-3 hours labor for lines only, 4-5 if radiator is also compromised.

Estimated cost: $300-800

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe vibration at idle that smooths out at higher RPM, Visible wobble of crankshaft pulley, Rubber layer separating from outer ring, Serpentine belt tracking off or shredding, Check engine light with crank position sensor codes

Fix: The rubber bonding layer deteriorates and the outer ring separates or shifts. Requires balancer removal with puller and installation of new unit. Critical timing job—if the outer ring shifts significantly, timing marks are off and valve timing is affected. 2-3 hours labor, must check timing after installation.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Clutch pedal engagement point getting higher and higher, Difficulty shifting into first or reverse, Clutch pedal going to floor with no resistance, Frayed cable visible near firewall

Fix: Cable-actuated clutch stretches over time and eventually breaks, usually at the firewall. Common wear item. Replace cable and adjust properly—many owners run them too tight causing premature clutch release bearing failure. 1.5-2 hours labor. If the clutch is also worn, add clutch kit replacement while you're in there (additional 4-5 hours).

Estimated cost: $150-250

Typical onset: 180,000-250,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping from valve cover area, Loss of power, especially at higher RPM, Poor fuel economy, Failed emissions test, Metal shavings in oil during changes

Fix: These SOHC engines develop cam lobe wear if oil changes are neglected, especially on cam lobes for cylinders 2 and 3. Requires cylinder head removal, cam replacement, and often rocker arm replacement. Usually found when head is already off for gasket work. Add 2-3 hours to head gasket job if cam needs replacement.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Sputtering or stumbling under acceleration, Stalling at idle after driving, Loss of power on hills, Engine dying when fuel tank gets below 1/4 tank

Fix: Inline fuel filter is under the car near the fuel tank and rarely replaced on schedule (every 30,000 miles). Rust from old steel tanks clogs filters quickly. Simple replacement takes 20-30 minutes, but rusted fittings often break requiring fuel line repair. Check tank condition while under there.

Estimated cost: $80-150

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting between drive and reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible engine movement when revving in park, Shifter vibration, Engine appears tilted when looking under hood

Fix: Front transmission mount (torque mount) deteriorates and the engine rocks excessively. Common wear item, especially on automatics. Replace all three engine/trans mounts as a set since labor overlaps. 2-3 hours for all mounts.

Estimated cost: $250-400