1993 Rover - Austin 800 Sterling Honda 2.7

Summary:

It will never lose its 'old git's mobile' image, but the performance and comfort are hard to beat

Faults:

The suspension top joints find it hard to cope with the extra engine weight. They have been changed at least 3 times.

The rotor arm shattered once. My fault!

Air con 'o' ring leaked. Big wow!

Electric seats/windows an have intermittent fault.

Ignition switch needs cleaning or changing.

General Comments:

I know nothing had been done to the car when I bought it and nothing, other than the above, has been done to it since, so, considering its mileage, I would say it has proved to be an incredibly reliable car.

A real woofer in tweeter's clothing. These motors can take your kiddies hot hatches at lights effortlessly... whilst still picking your nose!

Interior refinement and comfort is extraordinary. Doe skin leather, climate control, cruise control, electric everything. My only criticism is that the driver's seat sits a little high due to all the electronics underneath it, but if you have never had a standard 800 to compare it to, you would never notice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2005

14th Nov 2022, 17:03

Honda engine'd versions are the ones to have. Had the rest of the car been more reliable, Rover might have been onto a winner with the 800. Still, outclassed in every way by German rivals. But I drove one years ago (a really basic 820) and still thought it was a decent enough executive car.

1993 Rover - Austin 800 Sterling 2.7

Summary:

The Rover 800 is the Great British Secret

Faults:

It has to be said that I have had no issues with the wonderful 2.7 engine. The only problems were caused by myself when converting the Climate Control system from R12 to R134a. This was in so much that it cost more money than estimated.

General Comments:

I have driven many new cars and still have not found one that gives me the same drive satisfaction as my Sterling, it always puts a smile on my face.

I have changed the shock absorbers to Koni ones and this has improved the total road handling at high speeds, and I have indeed embarrassed a few BMW's while driving through Europe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2004

1993 Rover - Austin 800 Sterling 2.7 24v

Summary:

Too many people who've never owned one will tell you how rubbish they are; they are completely wrong

Faults:

Front and rear brakes replaced, centre exhaust section and front exhaust section required replacement. Suspension bush required replacement(very expensive for what they are).

General Comments:

What a fantastic car for the money - gutsy and reliable Honda V6, leather, air-con, 4x electric windows, electric sunroof, 6xCD changer - all as standard. Pulls very well and gives good economy on a run (33mpg). Town usage can hurt the wallet - I regularly achieve 24mpg around town, and 19mpg on very short runs. Fuel consumption isn't as important as many people think - she's cost very little in parts, and is the kind of car I'd jump in and drive absolutely anywhere without a second thought about whether she'd make it to the destination. Handling feedback is lacking; she always goes where I point her, but she never lets me know that she'll make it. Fantastic car for the money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2004

1993 Rover - Austin 800 vitesse turbo

Summary:

200+hp for peanuts

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 68000 (common)

Electric windows play up, this is due to the fuse box connection.

ABS sensor.

Jammed turbo actuator.

General Comments:

My car has been running a bleed valve since 68000 miles and is estimated to produce 230 hp with no head gasket problems.

May be the cheapest 200+hp car you can buy, but don't expect not to spend money on repairs.

Superb half leather recaros.

The steering on these cars is vague and too light, fast cornering is not for the lighthearted although the car will take most corners faster than you may expect.

Always replace the head gasket with the modified gasket.

Poor cabin build quality, dash separates from the clocks and heater vents. Rattles and squeaks are regular and annoying.

Noisy for a large car, the engine is very coarse at high revs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st January, 2004