Austin Montego Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    These always seem cheap - I know why now!

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not too bad on fuel; it's the repairs that cost…

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    PAS is good, nice ride, handles pretty well.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very quick, so fast under boost it feels a bit out of control!

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Seemed that something broke on it every week; it ate head gaskets; lots of electronics failures.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    MG Turbo looked a lot nicer than the Austin models, but it's still a Montego though…

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very nice comfortable interior; all electrics, even sunroof.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    No anti-theft devices. I doubt it would be difficult to break into.

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    They seemed to clutch at straws in their diagnosis of electrical problems. Parts expensive.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Head gaskets; aluminium head eventually eroded beyond skimming.

    Other

    Ignition ECU cutting engine whilst driving and draining battery overnight; many other minor problems.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes