1983 Rover - Austin Maestro MG 1600 review from UK and Ireland
"A wolf in sheep's clothing"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Fuel system would evaporate petrol and cause misfiring in hot weather.
General comments?
I had a lot of fun with my 83 MG Maestro.
Great handling gutsy engine was surprisingly rapid: comparable to the early Golf GTI, but 2/3 the price.
Ride was hard and trim rattled; but the gearbox was slick and a world apart from my first car, an Austin Maxi.
Interestingly enough the engine was based on the old late 1960s Maxi transverse engine. With twin Choke Weber carbs, it was a world apart in performance.
The quirky digital talking dash was ground breaking. The interior space age hi tech, and it was a nice place to be and a decent drive.
Search for New and Used Rover - Austin Maestros available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended reviews
  | 1985 - Maestro Vanden Plas 1.6 petrol If this car was a horse I would have shot it! |
| Typical British Leyland - great concept, poor execution |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1983 |
| First year of ownership | 1984 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1989 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 28000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 40000 miles |
| Previous car | SAAB 99 |
| Date of Entry | 24th May, 2008 |