1989 Rover - Austin Maestro Van 2.0i diesel
Faults:
Front wheel bearings last 5 to 12 K miles which I have been told is usual!!! (direct from a dealer)
New injector tips at 180,000 miles.
General Comments:
This van is not a working vehicle but has been to Prague and beyond twice with no problems apart from smoking a bit when faced with eastern european fuel.
People scoffed at the chances of the first journey - but hey she/it did it twice!
The front wheel bearing are THE biggest problem. I have been told they are crap as standard. Have tried various makes and would like BL/Rover/BMW to give me some cash for the expense of buying and fitting them.
Dealer service (?), let 'em do a cam belt and they split it on fitting. I found this as the water pump went a week or two later and fitted it myself.
Doing a proper job yerself an' all that jazz.
Oh well keep up the good work and we'll smoke off into the distance (Know anyone with a turbo engine kicking about?)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th February, 1998
22nd Feb 2006, 15:18
Thank god I ran a turbo charged Maestro for the last 12 years. Perkins engine is a real workhorse and never let me down, though now it's burning a bit of oil, but still has passed its MOT.
With a bit of turbo and diesel boost, the old champ is still faster than my brother's Mondeo 18tdi powered Escort Van and our company's other van, a 4 year old Astra turbo. I usually deliver loads from 500-800 kgs and the van will be happy to serve while the others, especially the Astra, will be suffering.
The only problems with the Maestro are rust, tough ride, a bit of engine noise, and with a turbo engine, the front disk brakes don't work well unless not ventilated, with regards bearings, I found Timken the best.
9th Aug 2004, 01:08
Update, I posted the comment above- The turbo diesel engine does go straight in, but not the easiest engine swap I have done. The van did indeed go like the clappers with the turbo lump- acceleration was startling and it would sit at 90 quite happily. it's scrapped now, I think the engine block was either porous or cracked as coolant was entering the sump.