1996 Rover - Austin 100 1.1si 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It is a reliable plodder

Faults:

The main problem has been the central locking, when I bought the car from a local small dealer he said had fixed problem, but this proved not true as the locking started playing up, to cut the story short I was stranded one night and had to get the AA to fix part of problem and this cost me £80.00.

Other problems well none that can think of, except the MOT cost me £200,for new bits.

General Comments:

The car is really reliable, and fairly easy to drive, but is best for short trips, I have just got back from 300 mile trip mostly on motorways and I am still hurting even now, but the little car will cruise all day long at 70mph on the flat motorway, but soon as a hill turns up, it slows right down.

The MPG is not as good as it should be, and a real pain is buying new tires because of the awkward 'Metro'size these are exempt from the usual tire deals, shown in the papers.

The driving position is OK, but can be cramped for passengers, the boot is roomy and back seats fold down.

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

Review Date: 7th May, 2005

1996 Rover - Austin 100 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fantastic

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is my first car. I bought it second hand for £595 for a P registration.

I am very pleased with it so far. For a new driver this car is excellent.

I feel this car is very safe and comfortable, I wouldn't allow my 5year old son in it otherwise.

I would recommend anyone to purchase this car. Its very reliable.

I thought I would pay a fortune on my first insurance, but I got fully comprehensive for £453 on this car, that's with no claims bonus.

Excellent little car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2004

1996 Rover - Austin 100 1.1i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Worth every penny

Faults:

I have had problems with the heater, this was solved with a visit to the local scrap yard.

I have also got a problem with the left hand side headlight which seems to be letting in water.

Rust on rear wheel arches.

General Comments:

This is a very reliable car.

Starts first time in the winter.

Acceleration is excellent.

I think an m g f 1.8i engine instead of my 1.1i would keep me from selling the car.

Very good price on insurance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th July, 2003

1996 Rover - Austin 100 114 LSi 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Never buy a Rover

Faults:

Rear wheel arches rusted from the internal joint and Rover would not accept that it was a manufacturing fault.

Reversing light switch in gearbox needed replacing twice.

Headlamp rubber seals became unstuck and were replaced under warranty twice.

Front suspension requires gassed after a few years.

General Comments:

The poor service and bad build quality reminds you why Rover is in a bad way.

Servicing is never completed to a high standard.

It gets me from A to B and that about all you can expect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd July, 2003

1996 Rover - Austin 100 Knightsbridge SE 1.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great first car

Faults:

A fuel injector pump has been replaced due to it seizing up.

The starter motor failed and was replaced.

General Comments:

This is a nice little car which for a 1.1 is quite fast.

Servicing is simple enough to do yourself and therefore save some money on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2002

1996 Rover - Austin 100 GSi 1.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable and nippy

Faults:

Not many problems. Only failed to start on one occasion, when the immobiliser played up (cured itself within a few hours though). A couple of squeaks occasionally. Most irritating problem is the way one of the central locking motors is on the blink. Must fix that, actually!

General Comments:

Brilliant little car. Lovely looking in Pearlescent Tahiti Blue with alloy wheels. Handles very well, nippy enough for most situations, but can be a bit slow to accelerate in 5th gear on motorway hills. I feel the fuel economy (ave 36mpg on shortish journeys) could be a bit better, but that's my only problem with it really. Overall a very nice car to drive and own.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2000

11th Jan 2001, 17:09

An update on the review (I wrote the original):

The car is now at 32,700 miles and going strong. I now use it for long journeys (66 miles per day), and it returns an average of 47mpg. Adequately comfortable for motorway use too. Still proving cheap to run and fun to drive!

19th Feb 2001, 18:52

A 1.4 would get around the poor motorway performance.