1989 Rover - Austin Maestro L review from UK and Ireland

Not a huge amount really, the alternator failed, it's had a new front wheel bearing and a few interior trim bits.

Rust on the rear arches, but it is over 11 years old now!

Easy to run and maintain on a shoestring, nimble handling and lively performance make up for the rust on the rear arches of my particular car!

Very economical, returning around 32mpg on the urban, and upto 39mpg on long runs.

Also infinitely upgradeable, my car started life as an ordinary '1.6L' but it now has central locking, electric front windows, electric sunroof, electric heated mirrors, an early MG Maestro digital dashboard and trip computer, all the electric items previously mentioned bar the digital dash are totally modular and very easy to fit.

It also has a rear EFi anti-roll bar and MG Montego Turbo front anti-roll bar, MG Montego crossspoke alloys and is currently undergoing an engine swap in favor of an 'M' series 2.0 16v engine from a Rover 820Si, the latter is a bit a of a pain to do, but very much worth it!

If you prefer to buy a car and just drive it instead though, the Maestro is an unreasonably maligned car but it's a very worthwhile buy and very cheap along with it. Physically strong as well.