1990 Rover - Austin 800 820i Fastback from UK and Ireland - Comments

Oil sensor at 121,000.

Clock reads funny digits 121,000.

Very big and very quick for its size.

Auto box very smooth.

An absolute joy to own and drive.

Does 415 mile motorway drives with no problems. Smooth and quiet. 8 speaker stereo with CD player and the arm rests are very comfortable.

Quite keen on fuel unless on the motorway. From 18mpg to 32 on long runs.

Loves munching through front brake pads. 1,800 miles on the last set!

Don't tell too many people about these desperately underrated cars, otherwise prices will begin to rise!

Go for a new shape 1991 onwards model next (the ones with the chrome grille) - they are even better value.

SSSHHHHHH!!!!!!!

I second that comment.

Got a 1992 820 Si last year -£1000 mint which is now my wife's car

Just got a 97P genuine car from a forecourt for £3750!!!

Don't tell anyone, but they're excellent cars and I have owned three, only selling them to pay bills, regretfully.

I own a g reg 820i and it is brilliant super fast. had it for 4 years and has not broken down yet (touch wood)

I wish more people would see what a good car it is.

I have had an 820SLi auto 1994 5 door for nearly seven years now. The only major problem was a costly oil leak that involved a new head being fitted. Now done 142k+ and apart from some interior panel fit problems the car has been a joy. Normal servicing costs, pretty good fuel consumption (34mpg doing 95mph with air con on full coming back from France fully loaded ain't bad) and 20+ around town. Comfort and space, a huge boot (great for 10 pin bowling gear) and pretty good performance. Why do these cars have such a bad reputation - overall they are terrific. Jeremy Clarkson may not like them, but I'm currently looking for a 1999 low mileage one that will then last me years. BARGAIN TOO.

I used to have a 1990 'h' reg 820i fastback. It was probably the best car I have ever owned. It 60,000 on the clock when I bought it and had well over 250,000 when I part exchanged it for another 800. I used it for towing the caravan and pulled it with ease. The only problem I had with it was that an exhaust valve chipped at 180,000. No damage done, 8 new exhaust valves fitted, new head gasket and it want on to do the mileage as above. I like then so much I am now on my third, a 1997 825si auto. I don't like it as much as my 'H' reg tho'.

Just bought my first 820i fastback 16 valve on a R plate, THESE THINGS ARE BEAUTIFUL TO DRIVE THO A LITTLE HEAVY FEELING, GREAT VALUE MOTORING AT A RIDICULSY LOW PRICE. Never thought id buy a rover, now I'm wondering if i'll ever go back to anything else.