1995 Rover - Austin 100 SE Kensington 1.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

'Kelly Kensington' is a real workhorse and I use her for work as well as transport

Faults:

Because it had been static outside my girlfriends house for nearly a year there were a few teething troubles when 'Kelly' was put back onto the road.

An oil and water leak had to be repaired and the tracking sorted. A total cost of 50 quid.

The heater has had it.

General Comments:

'Kelly Kensington' is an integral part of our young family. She's hardly the most luxurious, the fastest or nicest looking, but she gets everyone from A to B and even C if necessary.

As well as being our family run around she also brings in a sallary. On weekends I use her to deliver indian takeaways to help pay for the insurance.

Economy wise she is very cheap to run. Except when I thrash her engine either at high speed or on steep hills she is quite economical. In fact my biggest criticism is that her fuel tank is really small and my mileage is so high (6,000 miles in two months) that I find myself constantly filling up.

Shes not perfect and I have had a few problems with her listed above. Unfortunately my biggest criticism is her performance up hills, a big problem living in the Welsh valleys. Going down them though shes excellent.

The boot space can only be described as adequate for me and my future wife, but shopping often finds itself on the back seat. The comfort upfront is pretty good, but terrible in the back - but I don't need to worry about that.

The Rover has become such a big part of our lives that it seemed wrong to keep referring to our car as 'it' and so we gave her a name. It may sound like a porn star, but shes certainly a working girl.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2004

1995 Rover - Austin 100 Kensington 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap, dull, reliable

Faults:

The exhaust is blowing.

The arches are rusting (not the only place).

The water pump broke.

The boot lock doesn't work properly.

The door trim is falling apart although the rest of the interior is fine.

The radiator leaks and it overheats.

The clutch is slipping.

The fuel tank is leaking.

The King pin is worn (the rear wheels area at a slant).

The handbrake is shockingly bad.

And a few other minor things.

General Comments:

I bought the car cheap and although it has had a few problems I haven't spent much money on it, the scrap yard helps out there!

It runs alright for a 1.1 but is not exactly a stylish car to drive, unless you are going to pick up your pension.

I don't really like the car that much, but to be fair it has VERY rarely failed to start first time, even though I can never be bothered to fix all the problems on it (e.g. it overheating).

If you don't really care about what car you drive, and you want something cheap, go for it.

I'm trying to sell mine now if anyone is interested...:P.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st July, 2004

1995 Rover - Austin 100 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A low cost fun drive

Faults:

All around, the car has been a very good buy.

It cost me £980 and it has only had one major fault.

The head gasket blew at around 88000 and therefore cost me £330 to have fixed.

Rusty exhaust which just serves to make it sound more powerful than actually is.

General Comments:

This car is basically a Metro, and therefore it can't be expected to be a world beater, however, it is fun to drive.

It can fit through the smallest of gaps, park everywhere.

It feels like power steering because so small and light.

Nice interior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th June, 2004

1995 Rover - Austin 100 111i 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good purchase for just over £600

Faults:

The only major fault with the car, was with the ignition barrel. The whole unit had to be replaced and in total, (including labor) cost just short of £110. Expensive, I know!

Also, Rust is starting to show on the near-side rear arch, although oddly enough, not on the off-side. The front is fine.

General Comments:

The Rover 111i/100 is a very good, value-for-money car with many positive points.

It handles well, even without P.A.S.

It's fairly quick for a 1.1i, as well as reliable and comfortable for long distances.

At only £630, there's a lot worse out there!

Insurance and Tax are cheap, so it would be ideal as a second car or for a young/1st time driver.

General fuel consumption is good.

My next car will definitely be another Rover. Probably a 200 series. This tends to offer a little more power and comfort, also at a good price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2004