Images
1 / 2
Rover's biggest saloon, the 800 had a difficult but nonetheless successful life. Launched to a lukewarm reception from the press in 1986, the initially underdeveloped 800 eventually found favour as performance and build quality improved.
Rover relaunched the car in late 1991 with a new body and the return of the now famous grille. Persistence paid off - the 800 was transformed into a well-built and reliable prestige car that is still very much in demand both new and used.
+ More
Detailed ratings
Full-Sized Executive Cars
What you get
Everything anybody ever bought a British car for - wood, leather, stainless steel, and tastefully placed chrome. The other things which used to come standard on most British cars - leaks, rattles, breakdowns and rust, are mostly absent from the 800 (at least in new-shape, post-1992 form).
Performance from V6 and turbo models is very strong - Rover once advertised the Vitesse as its fastest ever car, though this was contentious.
Interiors are very luxurious, if not overly spacious. Rear headroom can be a tight fit for those above average height. Legroom, however, is more than adequate.
+ More
What to look for
The Honda-sourced V6 is a fairly complicated engine, so best to go for a car with service history. Later ones will have the excellent Rover-made 2.5-litre V6. Four-cylinder cars tend to be more straightforward, although turbocharged versions need to be well maintained or you could have expensive problems.
As with any luxury car, check all the electric 'toys' for smooth operation - you'd be amazed how expensive and fiddly it is to replace things like electric seat adjusters or heated door mirrors.
+ More
Replacement parts
(Approx - based on a K-reg 2.0 820SLi) A clutch assembly is around £110, while a full exhaust system (excluding catalyst) should be just under £400. An alternator will be around £185, new front brake pads £55 and for the rear £60. A headlamp should be around £90, a radiator around £160 and expect to pay £225 for a starter motor.
+ More
On the road
Vitesse aside, not really one for the driving enthusiast. If, however, you want a luxury car for smooth motorway miles, the 800 could be your cup of tea. On B roads the big Rover tends to become a bit floaty and show the age of its chassis. Stay on the smooth and straight and you'll be smiling.
+ More
Overall
British barge, then? Not at all. The 800 may have had a shaky start in life but it matured into a refined cruiser. Performance and equipment levels of the Sterling and Vitesse make them the pick of the bunch.
+ More
Have you considered these alternative models...
Find a Review
We have over 500 new and used car reviews to help you find your next car.
Browse reviews and model guides for all makes
