1993 Rover - Austin 800 Sterling Honda 2.7 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
It will never lose its 'old git's mobile' image, but the performance and comfort are hard to beat
Faults:
The suspension top joints find it hard to cope with the extra engine weight. They have been changed at least 3 times.
The rotor arm shattered once. My fault!
Air con 'o' ring leaked. Big wow!
Electric seats/windows an have intermittent fault.
Ignition switch needs cleaning or changing.
General Comments:
I know nothing had been done to the car when I bought it and nothing, other than the above, has been done to it since, so, considering its mileage, I would say it has proved to be an incredibly reliable car.
A real woofer in tweeter's clothing. These motors can take your kiddies hot hatches at lights effortlessly... whilst still picking your nose!
Interior refinement and comfort is extraordinary. Doe skin leather, climate control, cruise control, electric everything. My only criticism is that the driver's seat sits a little high due to all the electronics underneath it, but if you have never had a standard 800 to compare it to, you would never notice.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th February, 2005
14th Nov 2022, 17:03
Honda engine'd versions are the ones to have. Had the rest of the car been more reliable, Rover might have been onto a winner with the 800. Still, outclassed in every way by German rivals. But I drove one years ago (a really basic 820) and still thought it was a decent enough executive car.