1993 Rover - Austin Metro Reviews - Page 3 of 4

Timing belt changed at 64,700 Miles through choice. Cost £130 as I put it though an authorized dealer for the warranty as I consider this a very important part.

Bad rust on back 2 rear wheel arches. Severe rust along the very front of the bonnet. All has now been repaired by myself (very easy, I'm hopeless with cars!) and look as good as new. Cost around £30 in total (Body filler + spray paint).

Buying this car little over 2 months ago, I managed to pick it up cheaply second hand. Being 18, a car with low insurance was required which was one of the main points of buying this car.

Although its not too hot in the looks factor, I find my car more comfortable, nippier, economical, cheaper to run and more fun to drive than my friends 106's, 306's, Clio's, Passat's and Nissan Sunny's.

If anyone is looking for a cheap little runabout, I strongly suggest a Rover Metro as long as you can keep it garaged. Rust is a nightmare!

The exhaust was rusty when purchased. This was easily replaced, but the Catalytic convertor fitted to the car pushed the cost up.

The new exhaust is very noisy, and the slightest bump will cause it to jump about, making a dull banging noise.

The car had obviously been in an accident before I bought it, and the front passenger side wing had been replaced. Unfortunately it was slight longer than the original, meaning the indicator wouldn't sit properly against the headlight.

For a car of this price and size, the Rover Metro is quite comfortable. The interior is basic, but tasteful.

Due to its simplicity, certain extras where missed, such as the rev counter, and intermitant front wipers!

The Metro is extremelly cheap to run. It's in a low insurance and tax group, spears are plentiful and very cheap, and fuel consumption is around 50 miles per gallon!

For a 1.1 litre engine the performance is quite good, although it only has 4 gears.

Due to the car's small size and weight, the steering handles as if it was power assisted.

The Metro has been reliable so far and the last time it went into the garage was to have a punctured tyre fixed.

The K-Series engine is a real gem for its size and age. Smooth, refined and unobtrusive, it feels like a bigger engine from a new car.

The handling is sharp and kart-like and the wheels are nicely-weighted for a car without power steering.

It's a pity the interior isn't quite up-to-date, made worse by the poor driving position. However, being an Impression edition, my Metro comes with full velour-trimmed seats and intermittent wipers as well as color-coded bumpers and wing mirrors.