Usual rot for these models, had to weld bottoms of all pillars and back 6" of roof around the rear tailgate hinges, the bottoms of all the doors and the leading edges of the bonnet.
Rover designers love multiple skins and spot welds - GRRR, second only to their love of rust-traps.
The wheelarches are however, unusually OK!
Have replaced all the wheelbearings, steering balljoints, track rod ends, skimmed the front disks and replaced the rear drums.
Numerous doorhandles failed/snapped off, but these are readily available and easy to rebuild/replace, novices have to learn that the doors have a certain "Knack" to opening them!
Head gasket failed at 154,000 miles due to water pump failure (common - keep an eye on the water level, very sensitive to overheating these engines).
Usual other niggles and gremlins.
Not shattering performance, but a real cruiser, happy to sit at 80-90mph all day on motorway.
Soft suspension typical of rover, but combined with comfy seats makes for an excellent journey in comfort.
Excellent towing vehicle, soft suspension means you have to balance that trailer correctly, but once on the road hardly noticeable, good gearing means no-hassle hills, even towing a 1.5 tonne trailor!
Gearbox originally designed for 2.0 Petrol Turbo so is very strong, but as such the gearing can be a little long-legged. No blistering accelleration, but as long as the revs are kept up it nips up and down the box easily.
Parts very cheap, car easy to work on, very economical (40mpg local, 56mpg long runs), watch the rust, keep on top of it and have fun watching peoples reaction to it - A MONTEGO STILL ON THE ROAD?
A very funny Review. I have just Scrapped my 1989 Montego LX. Please take a look at my Reviews.
1989 Montego Dirt Cheap Set Of Wheels and
1989 Maestro White Trash On Wheels. These Vehicles make excellent buys if you can turn a Spanner or failing that find a good local Mechanic who will work for Beer Money.
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