1989 Rover - Austin 800 825i Petrol
Summary:
Cheap luxury car
Faults:
Honda Auto Box packed up - twice, common problem apparently.
Tappets were extremely noisy, sounded like a traction engine.
Elec windows stopped working.
General Comments:
Very poor construction interior wise, bits just kept falling off.
Honda V6 capable unit, smooth and powerful. Although what out for non-regular oil changes, engine has a tendency to wear camshaft & tappets out quite quickly under these circumstances, and when it's worn it sounds absolutely awful (It's not as good as some people tend to make out).
Honda auto box suspect, I had two, kept slipping like nobodys business in 2nd gear! This is what put me off buying another one, I think a manual box might be better, however they may well have cracked the problem by now.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st March, 2000
22nd Feb 2004, 22:27
I think you've been spoiled. The cars I drove before I got my Sterling were a 2000 Camry and a '97 Subaru Outback Limited. Both of those don't compare on the "fun to drive" scale. I stole my Sterling for a mere $1250, and I couldn't be happier with it. To find another car to replace it, I would be looking at spending at least $6000 before taking a serious downgrade.