1986 Rover - Austin Maestro Van 500 2.0 diesel

Summary:

Reliable, economical, cheap to buy and run, what more more do you need?

Faults:

Very little. One front wheel bearing had to be replaced, I was told this is a problem area with these vehicles.

General Comments:

The maestro van is a brilliant workhorse. The 2.0 perkins diesel is a bit rough n ready, but is always a first time starter and consistently returns 55 mpg. It's no ball of fire and the weight of the engine affects the handling, but it is a van after all and I use it as an everyday hack. Some jobs are awkward (cam belt, water pump, wheel bearing), but for some reason mine hasn't rusted too badly, so I envisage keeping it for some time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2003

1986 Rover - Austin Maestro Van 1.3

Summary:

A fantastic, reliable, cheap to run and maintain work horse

Faults:

In over 10 years of ownership it has had a new radiator fitted, the head gasket was replaced last year at 120,000 miles.

Also three patches of welding plus of course the usual tyres, exhausts and normal service items.

General Comments:

One of the best vehicles I have owned.

Why did Rover stop making them in 1994 and not replace them?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2001

17th Apr 2001, 12:59

I have the same model, but I'm only getting 25mpg. Any ideas how I could improve that? Please contact me mick.davies@aguksyngenta.com

1st May 2001, 06:36

It sounds like it has a very dirty engine and oil.

Add Redex (Or equivalent) to the tank to limit the wear on your engine. Add oil cleaners to the engine oil and break it in for a couple of days on the motorway. That should clean the engine and make it run a little more efficiently.

9th May 2001, 14:26

I have recently bought a '87 1300cc van with only 56k and thought it would prove to be an economic drive but over the last three weeks it has only returned 20.4mpg.I also have problems with it running on after I turn off.Comments?