Hello everyone,

I want to buy Rover 800 with 2.0 or 2.7 engine. 9-10 years old car. I'd like to ask any users of 800's about weakness points of car i.e what check specially before buying?
I know well 2.0 engine but know nothing about Honda lump. Also what about suspension, rust problems etc.?
Thank you for some suggestions.

Wojtek

Hi Wojtek,

It is "Stranger in town" picture your car?
Why are you looking for a cruise ship then?
(altough the 827 is a real wolf in sheeps clothing!)

Greets,

Tom

The Honda engine is a good one, well liked by many. But check for head gasket failure, as I have seen them with this. Check for signs of overheating or coolant problems (rusty water deposits from the header tank), as I think the radiators don't always last the distance. A common fault is noisy tappets when cold - this is due to poor servicing which leads to the oilways getting blocked up and the tappets starved of oil.

Also, although the engines themselves are good for at least 150,000 miles, the gearboxes aren't - many of the 827s are automatics so check the box for sloppy or erratic gearchanges, or missing gears.

Brakes can be a bit weak so look for warped or scored discs. The power steering on the 827 is over-light, so look for heavy wear on the outside edge of the front tyres. It's a heavy car with under-damped suspension so check for worn shock absorbers. A wallowing motion on motorways is normal, though.

Rust I don't think is a particular problem on the 800, not the facelifted (grilled) one anyway.

Originally posted by Tommer
It is "Stranger in town" picture your car?
Why are you looking for a cruise ship then?
(altough the 827 is a real wolf in sheeps clothing!)


Hi,

No, it's not mine! :) This challenger was showed by the way of presentation of new MGR cars in Warsaw on October.

My one is Rover coupe turbo. Don't wanna thrash her so looking for something more reliable to everyday use.

Wojtek

king arthur, many thanks for info mate. Very appreciated. :)

Wojtek

Hi There, best advice ( unbiased too) would be to go for a 2.7 V6 with an auto gearbox, the engines are absolutely bomb-proof & the S4 autobox is a pure delight, my oldest 827 has covered 192,000 miles (x1.6 = kilometres) & runs beautifully.
The 2 litre has headgasket issues (oil leak near #4 cylinder) but that too is a very capable engine.
Bodywork.....sills, rear wheel arches & thats about it, find yourself a nice one & enjoy
Best Regards
Nige:)

I quite like the 2.0 in the 800. Used to get 37mpg out of mine down to Cornwall, that with family+luggage and all. Couldn't get anywhere near that with the 827, more like 25mpg. Or about 20, if I had fun with the sports mode...
I've not driven a Vitesse Sport yet, must try one. Could have had one on the N for £875 the other day, just didn't have the cash with me.

Have to agree with the economy of the 2 litre cars ( I had a 180ps turbo Vitesse '93) exceptional economy for what it was but alas, PG1 exploding gearbox syndrome:(
I only get approx 17 mpg urban from the V6 but thats life ( I drive it less).
The gearbox bearings in the S4 autobox are( i have been told) needle roller bearings which explains the lifespan of the box.

I've just bought an 827 Sterling and I can cautiously recommend them if (a) you really need a cruise-ship and (b) unless you're very rich (they drink petrol and if you put it into S mode on the autobox you can practically see the needle on the petrol guage move) you aren't going to be driving them too often and when you do it's a fair old run.

In my case the car is required for shopping and holidays rather than the daily commute (only two of us but we do like the odd drop of wine hence the reason for a large car that won't buckle at the axles when loaded up in France).

Drive-wise the "honda lumps" are a dream, they go like the wind. The cabins are wonderfully comfortable - although if you're looking at an SLi or a Sterling, make sure all the controls on the electric seats actually work. I think SLi's had aircon and Sterlings have Climate Control. Sterlings have CD autochangers and RDS Radio Cassettes - though mine is becoming unpredictable - stereos don't last as long as cars - and so it will be replaced shortly.

Don't pay over the odds, my M-reg was £1995 and that included a warranty.

Cheers

Paul

Ah, just noticed you're Polish. I've driven down that concrete tank track which is for some reason marked on the map as a motorway between the N4 from the border and Zgorzelec and Wroclaw and would a second word of caution - rebuilding the suspension on Rover 800's probably isn't at all cheap. My Daewoo needed a complete rear suspension rebuild after the Polish trip.

For all I know the roads round Warsaw might be vastly better than those out in the sticks, but if not you would probably want to make sure that suspension in the car you're buying is in VERY good condition.

Cheers

Paul

Originally posted by Puffin101
although if you're looking at an SLi or a Sterling, make sure all the controls on the electric seats actually work. I think SLi's had aircon and Sterlings have Climate Control.

Ah yes, I forgot about the climate control. SLi's have it too, anything less has just a heater. But it's a very weak unit, and if the air-con is not in top condition, it will have the annoying habit that it refuses to blow air from outside on a hot day - it will insist on recirculating the air, but if the car's been parked in the sun it is unable to cool it enough so all you get is hot air blown at your face.

cannot say I have experienced the heater/ climate issues (had 4 rover 800s 1 of which had climate, one A/C but now converted to climate)the slide for the blower speed is a known weakspot (had a bit of bother with that on one of them) but I never had bother with recirc.

Thank you for all advices. It helps me a lot.

I've just have a little dilemnia because of two cars I found. The first one is 820 '93 Limited Edition (whatever it means) full option, very good condition, 180 000 km on the clock and with LPG.
Second one is 827 Si '92 manual gearbox with 200 000 km (125 kmiles) on the clock also with LPG and with very second hand interior leather which I would have to change rather.

Think about 827 though there are some expensive works are neccesary.

Do you know what distinguish this 820 Limited Edition version???

Wojtek

Originally posted by Puffin101
My Daewoo needed a complete rear suspension rebuild after the Polish trip.
For all I know the roads round Warsaw might be vastly better than those out in the sticks, but if not you would probably want to make sure that suspension in the car you're buying is in VERY good condition.


Hi Paul,

I know this track from Zgorzelec. Nightmare.
There is a really big problem with roads here. No really highways. Suspension repairs are treated here as something normal. If you go to garage to change oil etc. then you have to (or should at least) check suspension, what usually means - hear how much money you have to spend for new parts.
Hmmm... you can say Poland is country for rich people... :rolleyes: ... :D ;)

Wojtek
- happy owner of Rover coupe turbo which is suspended amazingly stiff. Still! O'le! :)

What Poland lacks in road surfaces it more than makes up for in beer. Especially beer that comes in black cans with Mocne Okocim written on them.

Well worth taking the car for.

Paul.

Very good choice. As you can see I have a Vitesse Sport and I wouldn't change it for the world. The other guys have said pretty much all that goes wrong but please make sure the electrics work. Check the electric windows and sunroof to make sure all of the 'one touch' functions work and check for Head Gasket Failure.

Happy Car Hunting. :)

Dan.

Yep, you should have a go in a Vit Sport. £875 for a sport is a bargain. I bought mine 6 months ago for about that, for a M plate.

It's a lot of car for silly (little) money.

Dan.

What Poland lacks in road surfaces it more than makes up for in beer.


Good point mate.


Especially beer that comes in black cans with Mocne Okocim written on them.


Good strong choice! :beer: :D

Wojtek

Hi Wojtek, so....2.0 or 2.7?
have you drawn a conclusion as to which engine size you are looking for? be advised, there is a huge difference in fuel economy, I have 2 ( soon to be 3) 827 Vitesse's, they drink faster than I can, the 2.0 is a far more sensible car but hey, who is sensible?
Nige

I've found 2.7 to be the only choice. Driven 820 yesterday and in my opinion 2.0 engine is simply too weak for the car.
As for fuel economy of 2.7 the LPG should get the matter right.

I've just examined some cars. There will be 827 with only 100 kmiles on the clock tomorrow. :)

Wojtek

I've found it!!!! :bgrin:

93' 827 in charcoal grey, only 100 kmiles on the clock. One previous owner, good condition outside and inside (nice steel-grey leather) and totally standard including OE radio even! No leaks under except sump sweat what I accept.
It looks like old big black Tom-cat... and will be mine tomorrow... :rocker:

I'd like to thank you guys for all your advices and suggestions. Cheers! :beer: :beer: :beer:

Wojtek

Nice one, hope you enjoy it! Look after that 2.7 engine and it's a real gem.

Excellent, lovely car.

Enjoy it :)

Dan.

Congrats.

I envy you: the 2.7 is very sweat!

:beer: