1996 Rover - Austin Metro GTa review from UK and Ireland

The timing belt snapped in half within 24 hours of bying the car.

The passenger side central locking isn't working.

Two new front tyres.

Gear stick a bit loose.

Rust around the rear wheel arch.

And just the insurance premium is very high for my age.

The speed for such small engine, having driven Clios and Fiestas, I do prefer my GTa. In fact the only small car I'd sell it for would be a Starlet Galanza V (the small turbo Toyota), or a GTI Metro (very very fast for a normally aspirated car with 110bhp from a 1.4).

I find the car to be very comfortable. Mind there is no room in the rear, not even for a small pet dog (Bull Terrier), the boot is adequate, but not the best.

There is no way to describe my car, other than I love it to bits, even with its problems.

I hope when Rover comes back, they'll bring another Metro, but maybe built a little better with the body, but don't change the engine or the the running gear, as only when you reach very expensive cars can you get any better.