1990 Rover - Austin 800 820i 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Comfortable, reliable and spacious

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong on this car, its 12 years old and we've replaced almost everything that can be replaced.

Brake Pads - every 20-25K

Brake Disc's - every 60K

Timing Belt (whenever convenient)

Water Pump + Fuel Pump - Once in 100K

Eats alternators and the auto used to be heavy on starter motors (another difficult part to change - easier on the manual)

Head Gasket - 130K.

Suspension:-

Springs - Original

Shocks - 160K

Bushes - all done over the past 7 years.

CV Joints - 120K.

Transmission:-

Gearbox... It started life as an automatic this died at 164,000 and it was cheaper to replace it with a manual.

Very smooth automatic, to get more grunt out of it tweak the accelerator cable. :o)

General Comments:

Changing the timing belt is the biggest servicing problem as everything is in the way.

As for the ride and the comfort, well its like climbing into your favorite armchair. As an automatic you might as well have being wearing slippers and a smoking jacket. A little bit more fun as a manual, though there is still work to do to complete the transition.

The best feature about this car is the boot. If you've ever owned one you'll know what I mean. If not get a map before entering. :o)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th August, 2002

1990 Rover - Austin 800 827i Sterling 2.7i V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A high performance death-trap

Faults:

Wheel fell off at 70mph, electrics were dead, brakes no good.

General Comments:

Fast, sure, but wheel falling off - killing the front passenger brake disc? Was a bit of a luxury thing inside and the perfermance was quite breathtaking - I'd been in it before I brought it and cruised to 135mph no problem. Handling is a problem for a car of this size. Even though it had been lowered considerably, it still handled like a barge. I currently have a 1.8i Peugeot 405 which is quicker (not faster) and handles a thousand times better - as it is totally standard.

It was quite a nice car though. If I ever have one again, it'll be a younger one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th October, 2001

1990 Rover - Austin 800 820Si 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

High specification, high performance car, whose maligned reputation leads to some real bargains!

Faults:

Speedometer failed.

Electric window motors failed. Front two electric windows failed after around 150,000 miles. Rear electric windows are on the way out.

Heater failed. Electronically controlled heater switches failed at around 150,000 miles.

General Comments:

Extremely reliable mechanics, though electrical features can be troublesome.

Very good performance. High mileage engine provides rapid acceleration, with surprising economy.

Rust problems at bottoms of the doors, and rear wheel arches.

Comfortable to drive, with reassuring brakes and handling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2001

1990 Rover - Austin 800 827 Vitesse 2.7 V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A high performance, good looking, prestigious car

Faults:

Left front CV boot needed replacing.

Also a set of rear brake pads.

Replace 'switch' so that the interior lights would come on when the driver's door was opened. All the other doors activated the interior lights okay.

Oil warning light comes on about every forth time I start the car up, yet the oil level is correct.

General Comments:

Very impressive off the mark. Goes like a cut cat. Gives all modern cars a great run for their money.

Unfortunately you pay for it at the petrol pumps.

Only real quibbles is the slightly harsh ride and the fact that the indicator stalk is on the left side of the steering column. Something evident in most European cars but it takes some getting used to 'down under', from our usual diet of Japanese and Australian cars, where the indicators are on the right side.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2001

1990 Rover - Austin 800 827 Si 2.7 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

F1 on the highway

Faults:

Since new, nothing and I do mean nothing, has gone wrong one my beloved 827. In fact she has always backed me up ie. against boy racers.

She is PERFECT in EVERY way, she may be getting on but there's no way in this world I'm ever letting Mr Scrapman getting anywhere near her, not my SARAH.

General Comments:

SARAH is 11 years young and a handful - 200bhp plus. I've only taken her to 140mph, but she had more, a lot more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2001

15th May 2001, 02:19

Someone loves their car!!!

6th Feb 2002, 10:49

Amen to that, my brother. I too owned an 827SLi, of a 1993 vintage. I loved it for all the same reasons as you - and more.

4th Nov 2002, 07:02

I've have just been given a rover by my dad 827 Si and it it effing sweet. I like to rip it up and give it the works. it sent me flying. it sure has got guts underneath its bonnet.

15th Dec 2002, 20:41

I definitely back that up. The Rover 827 is a superb vehicle. I recently bought one which was 6 years young, low mileage for its age and immaculate condition. No problems whatsoever. Absolutely superb to drive.

15th Nov 2003, 13:56

Owned a 13Yr old 827 Vitesse for about 6 months, full electric, leather, and that wonderful Honda V6.

OK it does on average 20MPG, but I drive it the way it was designed to go. Like a bat out of hell!

When It finally goes bang (can't have much life left in it at 16,000 miles) I will cry! what a wonderful car, and a real surprise to all modern car drivers, in particular BMW 2.0 liter plus (anything less is no challenge)

Spins wheels in second in sports mode (auto) in the DRY!!!

20th Jul 2004, 10:14

I have an 827 having some problems witht the clutch, but apart from that its the best car I have ever owned 1990 modle.

30th Apr 2005, 15:25

I must jump on the band wagon with you all. I also own a 827 Vitesse mine with the full Tickford bodykit. My other cars are a Volkswagon Golf Mk2 GTI with a two litre engine and a Renault 5 Turbo yet the Vitesse is by far my favourite. Roll on Roll on!

12th Dec 2010, 15:29

177 bhp. When it was new.