1990 Rover - Austin Montego Reviews - Page 3 of 3

Nothing except routine replacements over 100,000+ miles.

Being a LX it came with electric windows, central locking, sunroof and mirrors that were also heated so on frosty days they would clear quickly - useful. Never broke down or had anything go wrong. Only thing needed replacing over the years were the tyres, exhaust, battery and alternator that you could do with any car. Spacious, comfortable interior with excellent visibility. Still gives high 30s mpg. Economical to run and insure. Prone to rust on rear wheel arches if neglected but these are easy and inexpensive to rectify.

There have been a number of problems ranging from engine water leaks requiring new water pump, general rust and the facia feels like is going to drop on to your knees.

Well I bought this car thinking it would be a good reliable car. Boy can I be wrong, interior trim feels and looks cheap, but for some reason people try to break into it (if they asked nice I would give it them) requiring a new door lock.

Now how long have I got?! It started when it was bought second-hand: constant oil leak from head gasket; noisy exhaust manifold; rust on arches/tailgate/bonnet; central locking failed door by door, squeaks and rattles everywhere, binding brakes, needed new alternator, distributor failed, i.e. we broke down. A previous 1986 model I had was the same but also overheated on 8 hot slow journeys (fuel boiled in pipe next to exhaust), had even more rust, it just had no electronics to be able to go wrong!

Well it did provide transport for a family that was cheap to purchase. But all the faults cost a lot of money and it was scruffy, unstylish, and depreciated from £4500 to £200 in 4 years! It was practical, it drove OK and was average in all other respects. If you can get anything better, make sure you do - I wouldn't settle for one of these!

Rust - wheel arches and roof weld seams...failed alternator is only extraordinary problem. Also usual wear & tear like tyres, exhaust, brakes. Also have replaced parts that have failed through sheer exhaustion like the door hinges, tailgate struts & electric window switches.. well, the car has done 152,000 miles!

Good long distance load lugger, sometimes a bit under-powered (I put this down to age!), comfortable, loads of room, & mechanically A1 reliable.. it starts first time every time & just keeps on going! A good overall package let down by poor bodywork.

Of all the Montys, the diesel estates are the best.

Not much at all apart from the usual wear and tear e.g. Tyres, Exhaust

Montego's are good, cheap, reliable cars.