Rover 800 Coupe (1992 - 2000) 820 Vitesse 2d (1998/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

A Rover 800 is a weird car for a young man to choose as it has a bit of a pipe and slippers image.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They think its an attractive design, but looks old fashioned and tatty now. They can't fault its capability.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Parts will be getting rarer for these cars now and it lacks the refinement of a modern car. It's the ideal car for someone on a tight budget who wants speed, comfort, reliability and is unconcerned about getting an old, high milage car. You can pick up a reasonable example for £500 these days, which is a lot of car for the money.

What are you likely to buy next?

I purchased an Astra coupe turbo.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,050

When did you buy the car?

January 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

eBay purchase. Was a competative price at the time.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Fast and had high spec for the price.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

It's surprisingly nimble for such a big car. Engine is powerful and manages to lug the big old thing to 60 in almost 7 seconds. The 5th gear is long so it gives reasonable motorway economy, but you dont get much in accelaration in 5th. The handling is nice and predictable. You can take it fast into a corner with great confidence. Vitesse-sport suspension is firm. Doesnt wallow or roll, but can feel bumpy over potholes. Very comfortable seating.

What's it like to park?

Difficult. You cant see where the front or rear bumpers finish. Visibility is not bad apart from that.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Headlight level adjustment motor broke. Exhaust heat shield rattles. A little rust here and there. It is a 10 year old car with 105K miles, so not surprising really.

What's most practical about your car?

It's a coupe, so not very practical really. The boot is large but you can't fit tall objects in it and the rear seats don't tilt forward so you cant fit long things in it either! Two doors are not really very practical on a car this size.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Climate control. Most comfortable armchair -like seats ever fitted to a car!