Conference terri::cars_uk

    In the UK, Rover produce the Rover 800 series, which was introduced in
    1986. It shares substantial design elements with the Honda Legend of
    the same vintage, and both cars were produced on the same production
    line in the UK by Rover and in Japan by Honda. It was produced as 2.0
    litre and 2.5 litre versions, the latter being expanded to 2.7 litres.
    It is sold in the US as Sterling.
    
    The car remains in production, although a facelifted version is
    rumoured to be coming later this year. The manufacturers are
    subsidiaries of British Aerospace plc, and are unlikely to go bust.
    There have been reliability issues in the States, which should make for
    attractive second hand prices.
    
    I personally like the car, but if the neares dealer is too far away,
    you may feel that support is too remote.
    
    Hoqzat for a start?
    
    Steve

    Hi Steve,
    
    Are you saying that the Rover 800 is the same as the Sterling?
    
    The dealer is in the same city that we are in.  My concern is that if
    for some reason the dealer goes out of business who will service this
    car?  Or if it breaks down, who can fix it.  I have quite a bit of
    research to do.  Since it will be a used car, that is a serious
    consideration.  The salesman told me that if it ever broke down out of
    town I could bring it to a Honda dealer.
    
    I really liked the car.  You mentioned that it is built by both Rover
    and Honda.  Do you know which parts are Honda?  Also do you or anyone
    else know anything about other problems that the car has had, such as
    electrical, motor...etc.
    
    All info is greatly appreciated!
    
    Kathy

    Kathy,
    
    If the US Sterling is a 2.5 or 2.7 litre, then engine, gearbox and body
    structure are common with the Honda Legend. Front and rear cosmetic
    sheet metal differs, but that does not matter - any repairer will be
    able to get the panels if you bend it. Suspension and brakes are, I
    think, different, but nothing to worry a non franchised mechanic. I
    would think that a Honda garage would find themselves reasonably at
    home.
    
    If it is a 2.0 litre, then I would leave it. Not because they are a
    problem, but the engine/gearbox on these are Rover items, and may be in
    shorter supply.
    
    In the UK, Sterling is the name applied to the plushest Rover 800s;
    lesser models are called 827SLi or what have you.
    
    
    A bit of British class!

	Just to add a little to the previous, the 'Sterling' is the
	top of the range 800 series model in the UK, but it was the 
	only model sold in the States. Should be all wood and leather
	fittings. Mainly Honda, and should be reliable.

	-John

    The state of Mass produces an annual "Lemon" index on cars which
    indicates their reliability and owner satisfaction. From what I
    remember of when I was out there in 87/88, Sterlings were not highly
    rated at all, but Nissans and Hondas were top of the list. OK, they
    might be basically Honda parts, but it doesn't necessarily mean they
    are put together well!
    
    I'm not sure where you can get info on this lemon index, try the
    state dept of motor vehicles or licensing office in Boston. They
    might be able to check up on how well Sterlings were rated that year.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Dave.

    Take a look at some back issues of Car & Driver magazine of the
    87/88 period. They did an extended road test of the Sterling.
    Truly, a horror story.
    
    Sorry, I don't recall the months carrying the road tests.
    

    Thanks for all the information. 

    
    What, if anything, did you decide?
    
    Mark 
    
    PS I'd give the car a vote as well. People I know who've had them have
    NOT had reliability problems, perhaps the US spec car is different to
    the UK?

    I just don't know.  I am going to look around at other US and foreign
    cars.  I have a Cadillac Cimmaron now.  It has 110,000 miles on it and 
    I believe that I will need a new car soon.  I loved the Sterling but
    for the wrong reasons.  I love the design, leather interior, wood trim,
    electric everything, moon roof, size of the car, the way it rides,
    anti-lock brakes, security system, defrosting vents..etc.
    
    The things that scare me are:
    
    1. I looked at the motor and it covered with wires.
    
    2. It might be expensive to maintain and get parts if there are problems.
    
    3. It might be difficult to have it fixed if it ever breaks down and I
    am far from home.  What would I do with this car?
    
    4. Many businesses, including dealerships over here are experiencing
    financial difficulty.  If the Sterling dealership goes out of business
    who will service the car.  One of the apealing things about buying this
    car is that I would probably still have 1 year under the original
    warranty.  I can purhcase an extened warranty for an additional cost.  
    I think that i would have to go over that contract witha fine tooth
    comb.
    
    5.  I need dependable transportation
    
    6.  This car depreciates quickly
    
    7.  I have heard bad things about the electrical systems.  This could
    mean big money 1 or 2 years down the road.
    
    Two used Sterlings are scheduled to come in at the beginning of the month.
    I am planning to go over and take a look at them.  They are the top of
    the line models and the salesman said that they would be around
    $12,000.  I think that I can get him to go down to $10,000.  I plan to 
    review the maintenance records on both cars.  By law, you can look at
    that info.  
    
    I don't know what I will do at this point.  I am glad that I submitted
    this note.  The car is so beautiful but if its going to be more 
    aggrevation than it is worth I probably won't buy one.  I guess I just 
    want it all but I don't want to pay a lot of money.
    
    I haven't been car shopping in a few years and it was shocking.  It
    amazing how little you get for your money.  My budget is $10,000.  I
    don't believe that any car is worth more than $10,000, unless its a
    sportscar.
    
    Thanks for all the help!!!
    
    I will let you all know what I find out.
    
    Kathy
    

    Engine parts will be available through Honda/Accura dealers if the
    Sterling/Rover dealers go belly up. Same applies tobody structure
    parts.
    
    Go on - live a little. Enjoy a little British class. To hell with being
    sensible - if you are going to do that, you would go gor a U.S. built
    Escort.  You only live once!
    
    Steve
    
    No liability accepted, errors and omissions excepted. This note entered
    under terms and conditions in very small print which will be available
    to anybody supplying ten pounds in gold soveriegns applying in person
    at my office at the South Pole.

    Bite your tongue!  I could never drive an escort.  I hate those cars. 
    I always get stuck behind them on the highway!!!!!