1992 Rover - Austin Metro S review from UK and Ireland

Needed new exhaust at 26k; suspension needs pumping up every year or so (especially if you live in an area with lots of speedbumps). But that's about it. It's got a bit of rust on the rear wheel arch lips - it's been repaired but a year later it was doing it again. Seems to be a design fault - the lips are kinked which weakens the metal. Replacement tyres (65-profile) not cheap.

Bought by my mother at 8 months/5000 miles, it's now got 30,000 on the clock, of which about 10,000 are mine! K-series engine a smooth delight, apart from slight flat spot. Gearbox (5-speed) excellent. Handles like a go-kart, but gas suspension can float and bounce on back-road crests. Big grin factor. Not as economical as it should be. Rust (see above) on a 5-year old garaged car (well looked-after) unacceptable.

Front cabin great - 800-series front seats make all the difference. Rubber mat on dashboard top pointless; it slides all over the place if you go fast round corners. Rear accomodation (even on our 5-door) silly. The Metro is now too small for our needs; we'd look elsewhere for a replacement, as I'm not convinced about Rover's "quality" reputation and pricing (with particular reference to the rust).