1989 Rover - Austin 800 Sterling 827 SLi Acura 2.7L V6 from North America

Summary:

A reasonable British car

Faults:

- Ignition harness failed, causing the engine to miss one cylinder. A new harness had to be ordered since no one carries it.

- Some climate control switches have fallen apart and have had to be replaced.

- Instrument panel lights have poor connections and flicker occasionally.

- Window switches work erratically and the glass does not move up and down smoothly.

- The factory remote entry is unresponsive.

- Transmission "pops" out of 2nd gear from time to time.

General Comments:

- The Honda V6 is very reliable and a smooth, if somewhat overworked, performer. Runs well for having over 180000 miles on it.

- The car is reliable overall. The electrics are tricky and don't hold up too well, but they have never caused the car to be inoperable or uncomfortable.

-This is a comfortable car for long trips compared to my lovable MGB. The climate control works well and the interior has a lot of nice creature comforts, such as the rear window sunshades and power seat controls.

- Everything about the dashboard is incredibly flimsy, which is odd because fit and finish are great everywhere else. Acura must have designed everything except the dash, because that's where all of the demons are.

-The car is cheap to keep running, but the parts that aren't shared with the Acura Legend are extremely hard and expensive to find, especially since there are no Rover dealers in America.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2003

5th Dec 2004, 13:11

I would try www.roverparts.com. They seem to have most of the parts for these cars. The front corner lights are somewhat flimsy, and they are tremendously difficult to find replacements for. Also, try eBay. Once in a while, someone will list some.

1989 Rover - Austin 800 e 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A big bargain barge

Faults:

Starter Motor failed at only 20,000 miles.

Alternator replaced and at 65,000.

Cylinder Head replaced at 80,000.

General Comments:

Very economical for a big car especially on a run.

Without a doubt the most comfortable car on the road.

Interior very high quality, but could be screwed together better, it can be viewed as a challenge to sort all the rattles!

Despite what many people say these cars will only rust if not looked after, at nearly fourteen years old mine is immaculate and completely rust free.

Running costs over nearly thirteen years have been next to nothing, due to having very few problems with the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2003

1989 Rover - Austin 800 827Si 2.7 24v V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap, fast and reliable, but with a tendency to fall to bits

Faults:

Electrical failure with windscreen wipers, speedometer, electric windows, sunroof, remote locking and ignition.

General Comments:

The Honda parts of this car (basically the engine and running gear) are reliable and perform incredibly well, but the Rover parts are typically, err, Rover!.

Like the SD1 before it, door panels fall off and the interior rattles.

The electrics either give up the ghost or have a mind of their own.

The bodywork rusts badly particularly the door skins, bonnet and tailgate.

The Honda 24 valve V6 engine is incredibly powerful and smooth, but revvy, there is little low end torque and what seems to be a power band just below the red line, this is a very good power unit and longevity for seemedly highly strung engine is astonishing.

The auto gearbox is another quality reliable unit which seems to lose little power in comparison to the manual version.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2002

1989 Rover - Austin 800 827 Sterling 2.7 V6 Honda from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap luxury motorway workhorse

Faults:

Automatic cooling pipe leak. This caused the transmission oil to be lost and the car to break down. Cost £150 to fix.

Electric window connector. Fixed with WD40.

Electric seats would not move. Fixed with WD40 on the connectors and switches.

Air conditioning clutch squealed until the belt burned out!

General Comments:

Very comfortable and perfect for motorway cruising.

It has strong acceleration although the transmission is damaged and requires manual 'helping' by selecting second.

I make a 100 mile journey twice a week and have complete confidence in the car.

I have fitted a £300 Pioneer stereo system into the existing speaker holes which improves the driving experience no end.

Car only cost £550.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2001

17th Jan 2003, 19:20

Great site. Good review. Sounds almost exactly like my car, bought for &700 but still going strong after 15 months. Cost has been about £150 including getting through a MOT.