1995 Rover - Austin Metro LD 1.4 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap car for first time driver

Faults:

Alternator (at 95K), that cost me about 100 pounds with labour, front brake disc (at 95K again) 60 pounds (oouch...)

Very easy to overheat, and watch out your water system, if that break and lead, your engine is in danger! (yeah I have my broke, and all water leak out from the front of car)

Beware of the suspension, esp right-back side.

General Comments:

Cheap, cheap and cheap!

5 pounds of diesel can run you at least 50-60 miles.

Have done abt 10K miles in half year, that save me lot of diesel money!

Still got enough power with 4 people in your car!

Accelation...poor...but I can still drive at 80-85 mph at M1.

Really good for daily town drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th August, 2004

1995 Rover - Austin Metro S 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A brilliant car that is very underrated

Faults:

I have had an on-going problem with the temperature gauge keep going into the red. After numerous visits to my local Rover dealer and several compression tests on the coolant system, I was advised that the head gasket had blown. This fault first occured at 60,000 miles, the problem is still there now at 95,000 miles even though the gasket has been replaced, as has temperature sensors and the electronic control unit. The car has always drove very well and hasn't shown any signs of a loss in power.

General Comments:

I believe that my 1.1S is a fairly rare model as it has a fuel injection rather than a carburettor.

Over the past five years I have been very pleased with the engine on this small car. The 1.1 engine has been driven hard and even when the car has developed a problem it has always got me home.

The Metro has sadly suffered with one or two minor accidents. First a motorbike chose to slide under the car. Then I drove through a ford, had no brakes at the end of it and chrashed into the kerb. A Jeep Cherokee hit the drivers side front wing. Soon after getting the wing repaired I hit a Fiesta XR2i. Surprisingly, this car has stood up very well to the abuse that I have put it through.

I have found that Rover servicing costs can be fairly high, especially as it is only a small car. However, the routine maintenance has meant that the car has always started.

If Rover still made the Metro or the 100 I would definitely buy one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2003

19th May 2003, 10:27

The temperature reading may be due to the radiator needing replacing. My 111i, which has the same sort of engine, had the same problem and it took 4 different garages to diagnose a faulty radiator, after suggestions of a blown head gasket. Apparently not many mainstream garages bother with radiators anymore, so most don't consider it.

1995 Rover - Austin Metro gta 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A cute rocket

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

This car is very quick for its engine size.

It feels nice and reliable, it will take a lot of miles and high speeds without complaining.

The car handles great however it does deliver a ruff, bumpier ride than most others.

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

Review Date: 15th April, 2002

1995 Rover - Austin Metro Rio 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good, reliable, cheap runabout

Faults:

ECU went wrong, luckily covered under warranty.

The driver's door window came off it's winders so you couldn't wind it up.

Plastic bumpers look very faded.

General Comments:

Not recommended for motorway driving, but excellent around the town.

Quite nippy for a 1.1, good handling, parts and servicing are cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2000