1991 Rover - Austin Maestro Clubman D review from UK and Ireland

Clutch cracked and replaced @ 85000 miles.

New middle and end section exhaust.

Alternator stopped working and the battery went flat, but was easily botched up and no more problems after 2 years.

Rear shocks badly sagged when bought, replaced with 2 "new" ones from the scrap man.

Rear passengers door and boot lid rusted badly and were replaced with parts from an A-reg vehicle! For total of £50.

Standard Phillips cassette/radio jammed cassettes.

Fuel pump became unbolted from its mounting, diesel everywhere, but it did not stop running!

Rear brakes drums became totally seized up (MOT failure) and provided no braking on the drivers side. Easily replaced.

Car prone to rust around the sills, on door edges and on wheel arches.

Extremely reliable car, never failed to start, except in the above case of the alternator.

Will return about 40mpg around town if driven normally. More available if careful with the throttle, 30mph in 5th etc. On the motorway 58 mpg was achieved at 55/60mph and 55mpg at 75mph.

Excellent leg room in the front and rear provides good leg room for 6 foot person.

Despite lacking acceleration will sit at 85-90mph on the motorway all day, however driving noise is uncomfortable above 85mph. It will do over 100mph (in theory!)

It will move anything it is asked to, caravans, car trailers, 40 breeze blocks, washing machines and bicycles in the boot.

Handling is pretty good for type of car and improves with more weight in vehicle.

With regular maintenance and TLC it should go on for much longer.

Cheap, cheerful, functional, practical family car. Turbo version would be nice for the extra power required at times with a loaded car.