Sterling was Rover Car’s attempt to return to the US market in the late 80s. Honda was in bed with Rover at the time, and this 827 SLi is a sister car to the Acura Legend, sharing its 2.7L V6. That’s not at all a bad place to start, and the British interior and hatchback body add up to make a great package. The bad news is that poor build quality and reliability sunk Sterling in short order.
This example has 182,000 miles, which isn’t unreasonably high for its age and isn’t a problem for the Honda engine. Most importantly, the seller is a Sterling enthusiast who references lots of work done to keep this not only on the road, but in very good shape.
If you want one of these to drive, this could be your best best, with lots of work done and enough miles to indicate it’s been used and won’t have problems bubbling up from lack of use. With a five-speed manual, this car would be irresistible.
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Seattle, WA
$3,695 BIN with offers considered
02/19/2014 update: Ended unsold
This really is a beautiful car.
The legend was nice, but didn’t offer this level of style or practicality.
Interior has held up well and still looks luxurious today.
Ad text:
RARE 1989 STERLING 827SLi
The time has come for me to part with my trusty Rover Sterling 827SLi that I have owned since June 2002. I purchased it from a Sterling mechanic who worked at the Kuni Cadillac/BMW/Sterling Dealership in Portland, OR. I am the third owner and it has been my daily driver ever since. I have parted out four Sterling’s to help keep this Sterling and the others I own on the road. Only reason I am selling this beautiful Sterling is because I have run out of space for the others I am restoring. This Sterling is an absolute pleasure to drive and own. It is in excellent running condition. Vehicle condition and maintenance history is outlined below. Contact me with any questions. Hope this ends up in the hands of another Sterling enthusiast.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION: Runs excellent and shifts smoothly with all functions working properly. No oil or coolant leaks. Synthetic oil changes every 3-4k miles. Cooling system keeps temperature gauge below 1/4. More details on maintenance history provided below.
BODY (see photos): Straight with a few dings on driver side rear quarter panel. No rust. Paint is thin on roof but respectable for a 25 year old car. There are paint chips and scratches in some areas. Front RH side of bumper has white scrape. It is not in show condition, it looks fine for a used car of that age.
ELECTRICAL: Power windows, mirrors, locks, sunroof, wipers, heater, front & rear lights and driver seat, all work as they should. Note: Passenger front seat is manual.
INTERIOR (see photos): Photos speak for themselves. Seats, dash, wood, door panels, are all in great condition. Replaced front seat pig skin leather with Connolly leather used on the later 91′ Sterling SL and SLi models. Very comfortable. Headliner is drooping in areas and driver side sun visor has a tear. Rear seat back leather has separated at top. There is carpet wear on front driver side.
STEERING/SUSPENSION/BRAKES/TIRES: Recent power steering pump, hose and new rack and pinion seals. Monroe front struts and KBY rear struts. Recent brake calipers, drilled & slotted rotors and alignment. Car stops on a dime and ABS operates correctly. Front tires have 75% life left and rear tires have 40% left.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE HISTORY (since 105k miles) – Have a binder full of maintenance documents
105k – 108k miles:
Replaced front and rear struts (Monroe and KYB – still rides great)
Replaced hatch back seal
Installed mud flaps
Installed new 91′ Sterling stock Pioneer radio
Replaced all filters (oil, air, fuel) and spark plugs
AC retrofitted to R134
Replaced water pump, timing belt, PS belt, AC belt and Alternator belt
Replaced front wiper motor
123k – 135k miles:
Replaced oil pan and valve cover gaskets
Installed new front and rear Sterling badges and nameplates
Replaced front windshield and molding
Replaced radiator
136k miles:
Transmission rebuilt
Thermostat replaced
138k miles:
Removed and Re-sealed Engine
Head gaskets
Oil pan, rear cylinder head cam end seals
All 4 valve cover gaskets
Distributor o-ring
New crank sensor
Replaced water pump and timing belt
Replaced fuel injector seals
Bleed brakes and replaced brake master cylinder seal
Replaced CV-axels
143k – 145k miles:
Installed new hatchback gas struts
Replaced sunroof limit switch
Replaced front wiper motor
Replaced RH front wheel ABS sensor
Installed new rear wiper switch
Replaced fuel pump
Replaced fuel filter and spark plugs
Installed new battery
152k – 160k miles:
Installed new driver side window/mirror switch pack
Replaced power steering pump and hose
Replaced sunroof seal
Replaced front and rear brake pads and drilled/slotted rotors
Replaced valve cover gaskets
Replaced sparkplug wires
Replaced RH rear taillight
Installed new distributor
New front tie rod ends
4-wheel alignment
164k miles – present
New valve body seals for power steering rack and pinion
Replaced front seat leather with Connolly leather
Installed new main relay for fuel pump