Rover 800 Saloon (1991 - 2000) 825 SDi 4d (1996/P) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Practical classic car enthusiast.

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

They think its outdated and neighbours from hell have been known to ring the police carping about "scrap cars".

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes yes yes! (but they don't make them any more).

What are you likely to buy next?

No idea but I do need a RELIABLE 4x4 that can legally tow 3.5 tons. I would also like a car that can carry a heavy payload without squatting at the rear.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

May 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

People think that because Rover have ceased trading spares will be impossible to get (this view was put across by a manager at one branch of Halfords! He claimed that anything older than Rover 75 was impossible to get spares for stating that "You can't even get brake pads for those") At the time I wanted spark plugs for a Rover 820i The "new" diesel has now done over 1100 miles without needing oil or water. I can live with that!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Great reliability, NO TIMING BELT, fast long-legged tourer, good mpg, had several of these before. Many parts are the same as Honda Legend hence still available. I love these cars although their legal towing capacity is not enough for some jobs.

What was the dealer like?

Private seller, great bloke who just wanted the car gone (Surrey people all want new cars).

What's it like to drive?

The first time that you drive one of these it feels like there is a ton of lead at the front of the car. One soon gets used to this and never notices it but some diesel users prefer the 16" wheels instead of the basic 195/65 x 15 tyres.

What's it like to park?

OK

Have you had any problems with the car?

The air-con doesn't work and the boot mounted CD player gives a "Disc Error" message. With these cars the Nivomatt self levelling shock absorbers often fail to self level and for towing or carrying heavy loads this can be a real pain. The paint codes on the rear springs are a trade secret so uprating the rear suspension isn't easy. Rubber spring helpers are fairly cheap and helper springs can also be added. At one time "Max Air" shock absorbers could be bought and with 150 psi of air pressure an extra half ton could be carried. These are no longer available unfortunately.

What's most practical about your car?

Tow-bar ready fitted, MOT ready on it. Great mile-eater compared to my crappy 4x4. Good mpg and NO TIMING BELT! The hydraulic tappets are also a boon.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Tow-bar, radio, electric mirrors (although I'd prefer it if they would motor flat like the ones on some Japanese 4x4s).