1985 Rover - Austin Maestro Vanden Plas review from UK and Ireland
"If this car was a horse I would have shot it!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Front wheel bearings needed replacing.
New clutch plate.
New steering rack.
New brakes - front and rear.
Constant electrical problems.
Trip computer never worked.
Rusted badly in the time I had it (like all Maestros).
Various other problems I can't remember.
General comments?
This car cost me £750 (in 1994) and I had to spend another £700 during the year I had it just to keep it on the road.
The only redeeming feature was its engine, which never required any attention and was fairly quick (and thirsty - 25mpg).
The most amazing thing was when somebody went into the back of it and wrote it off - I got £800 back from the insurers when it wasn't even worth £200!
Having also owned an old Metro my advice is to steer clear of any old Austin car like a Metro/Maestro/Montego, even if they are being given away as they are all rusting piles of scrap that you will need to take a mortgage out on just to keep them running!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1985 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1995 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 89000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 99000 miles |
| Previous car | Rover - Austin Metro |
| Date of Entry | 16th November, 2000 |