1988 Rover - Austin Metro L 1.0

Summary:

Cheap and pretty cheerful motoring

Faults:

Wheel bearing failed.

That's it really.

General Comments:

Good for getting around town, little use for much else. Feels pretty inferior on modern day motorways.

Engine is quite nippy for a 1.0, but for some reason consumption didn't seem that great.

Mine got stolen in broad daylight, resulting in 'barrelled' ignition and burst door lock.

Beige interior a real hit with the ladies (er, not)

Pretty cheap little car, quite a rare sight nowadays, but definitely very basic and not too refined, especially when venturing out of town.

Ideal for the elderly and new drivers for getting around on short journeys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd January, 2005

1988 Rover - Austin Metro City X 0.9

Summary:

Cheap thrills

Faults:

The gearbox burst open in a less than convenient location (at front of traffic lights in middle lane), spilling metal all over the road and making horredous noises.

General Comments:

What a great car! I bought it for £50 after previously totaling "the barge".

Never spent a penny repairing it, ran it into the ground and loved every minute of it.

Within soon after buying it I had total confidence in its handling and could throw it round corners as fast as the car allowed. The odd occasion I pushed to far, no dramatics just a quick dab on the brakes and everything settled down.

The small engine obviously was slow, but meant, to go fast I really had to drive the car well. Racing was a hoot. Straight - car in front pulls away rapidly, corner - back on his bumper, straight - pulls away, corner - look who's back!

The Austin body shape looks damned cheeky too, love those recessed headlights. Such a cool car, but only if it is filthy and looks wrecked (like me most of the time I owned it)!

If you want cheap fun I whole heartedly recommend this fabulous little hatch.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th July, 2003

1988 Rover - Austin Metro 1.3 petrol

Summary:

An ideal little first car, but better in manual form

Faults:

On three of the wheels the suspension had let itself down.

Quite severe tyre wear.

Auto box had to be replaced about 5000 miles ago.

General Comments:

As a first car I have found it to be economical and cheap to insure.

Unfortunately the auto box makes it very slow to pull away, but once going it is quite comfortable.

If I had more choice I would have had a manual, but it was a freebie so I'm not complaining!

At nearly 6" I found the space, especially in the back, to be fairly cramped, but the driving position is still fairly comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2002

1st Nov 2002, 05:27

Not a bad comment, but need more information on the relaiabilty of the vehicle.

1988 Rover - Austin Metro City X 1.3

Summary:

Uneconomical runabout, cheaper to run a Range Rover

Faults:

Front wheel bearing changed.

Seats really worn. Covers fitted.

New exhaust just fitted.

Auto gearbox slipping under load between gear changes, even after an oil change.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable.

Very greedy on fuel, about 23mpg, even with new air filters.

I think I probably paid too much for the car - £325.

Brought it off an old granny, I think she was a used car dealer in her past, stitched me up well and good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2002

9th Jul 2002, 11:15

I stumbled across your survey, while searching for the availability of Automatic Gearbox parts for the Metro 1.3.

Your comments on the gearbox slipping, I can certainly relate to - my father has the same problem with his Metro (between third & forth I think...?). My Metro has worn brake bands, or so I'm told. Lots and lots of town driving from new, I would imagine. This results with an awful noise between gear changes. mostly between first and second.

I have to say, I don't find any problem in the fuel economy department. Obviously it's not quite up to modern standards, but for a car with no fifth gear or overdrive, I would say it's pretty typical.

I hope these comments are of interest to somebody.

From one Non Image Conscious Metro owner.