Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D (1984-88)

Overview: The **Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D**, introduced in **1984**, was a significant model for **Austin and British Leyland**, as it marked an effort to compete in the growing **estate car market** while offering a **diesel-powered option** for fuel-conscious buyers.

Key Significance:

- **Expansion into Diesel Estates**: The **2.0L Perkins Prima diesel engine** provided better fuel economy, making it attractive to **fleet buyers and long-distance drivers**.

- **Estate Practicality**: The **Countryman variant** emphasized **versatility and cargo space**, catering to families and business users - BL's 1980s saloon built to ... - AROnline](https://www.aronline.co.uk/cars/austin/montego/).

- **Part of British Leyland’s Recovery Strategy**: The Montego was developed to replace the **Austin Ambassador and Morris Ital**, modernizing Austin’s lineup.

- **Competition with Ford & Vauxhall**: It was designed to rival the **Ford Sierra and Vauxhall Cavalier**, but struggled due to **quality control issues** - BL's 1980s saloon built to ... - AROnline](https://www.aronline.co.uk/cars/austin/montego/).

While the Montego Countryman 2.0D had potential, it faced **stiff competition** and **reliability concerns**, limiting its success. 

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COMMON FAULTS

Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The Austin Montego had several common faults that owners often encountered:

1. **Electrical Issues**: Problems with the central locking, heater systems, and powered windows were frequent. The control modules for these systems could fail, though replacements were generally inexpensive if available.

2. **Digital Dashboard**: If the car had a digital dash, the instrumentation could malfunction.

3. **Corrosion**: Rust was a significant issue, particularly around the sills and wheel arches.

4. **Engine Leaks**: Oil leaks from the engine were not uncommon¹.

5. **Loose and Corroded Connectors**: These could cause various electrical faults, requiring patient diagnosis and repair.

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Generations

The Austin Montego did not have distinct generations like some other car models. Instead, it underwent continuous development and updates throughout its production run from 1984 to 1995. The car was produced by British Leyland initially and later by Rover Group, with various updates and improvements made over the years.

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Body Styles

The Austin Montego was available in two main body styles:

1. **4-door saloon**: This was the standard version, offering a traditional sedan layout.

2. **5-door estate**: Known as the Montego Countryman, this version provided more cargo space and versatility, making it popular for families and those needing extra room¹.

These body styles helped cater to different market needs, from everyday commuting to more practical uses.

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Where Manufactured

The **Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D (1984-88)** was manufactured in the **United Kingdom**, specifically at the **Cowley plant in Oxford, England**, and the **Longbridge plant in Birmingham, England**. These facilities were key production sites for British Leyland and later Rover Group, responsible for assembling various Montego models.

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Production Total: The Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D, produced between 1984 and 1988, had a total production of **546,000 units**.

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Price New: In 1984, the new price for an Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D in the UK was approximately **£7,995**.

To find out what £7,995 from 1984 would be worth in 2025, we can use an inflation calculator. According to the Bank of England's inflation calculator, £7,995 in 1984 is equivalent to approximately **£27,000** in 2025.

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Sales: The **Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D (1984-88)** had **moderate sales success**, particularly in the **United Kingdom**, where it was marketed as a **practical estate car** with **seven-seat capability**. While it found buyers among **families and fleet operators**, it struggled against rivals like the **Ford Sierra Estate** and **Vauxhall Cavalier Estate**.

**Sales & Market Reception**

- **Production Numbers:** The Montego range sold **around 570,000 units**, but the Countryman variant was a **smaller portion** of that total.

- **Fleet Market Appeal:** It was popular among **business users**, but reliability concerns affected long-term fleet adoption.

- **Export Limitations:** While sold in **India, Taiwan, and Trinidad**, it never achieved **global success**.

- **Build Quality Issues:** Early models suffered from **rust and mechanical problems**, impacting resale values.

Despite its **practical design**, the **Montego Countryman never became a runaway success**, but it remains a **cult classic among enthusiasts** today. You can also explore more details [here](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/austin/montego/).

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Main Rivals (Price): In 1984, the Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D had several rivals in the UK market. Here are some of the new prices for these competing models:

- **Ford Sierra**: £6,995

- **Vauxhall Cavalier**: £7,200

- **Volkswagen Passat**: £7,500

These prices give a sense of the range of options available to car buyers in the mid-1980s. The Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D was positioned as a practical and economical option among its rivals.

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Engine/s

The Austin Montego was offered with a variety of engines over its production run. Here are the main options:

1. **1.3 L A-Plus I4**: This was the entry-level engine, available in the base models.

2. **1.6 L S-Series I4**: A more powerful option, providing better performance.

3. **2.0 L O-Series I4**: This engine was available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, with the turbocharged version being used in the MG Montego.

4. **2.0 L Perkins Prima/Rover MDI I4 Diesel**: This diesel engine was known for its fuel efficiency.

These engines catered to a range of needs, from basic commuting to more spirited driving experiences.

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Recorded in UK 2025: As of 2025, there are **24 Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D** cars recorded in the UK, with **20 licensed** and **4 registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)**.

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Target Age Group: The **Austin Montego Countryman 2.0D**, introduced in **1984**, was primarily aimed at **families, professionals, and fleet buyers** who needed a **spacious, fuel-efficient estate car**. It was designed to appeal to those looking for **practicality and economy**, rather than sportiness or luxury.

Target Age Group:

- **Young professionals (20s-40s)** – Those seeking a reliable and economical car for commuting.

- **Families (30s-50s)** – Buyers looking for a spacious estate with good cargo capacity.

- **Fleet buyers & business users (30s-60s)** – Companies needing cost-effective vehicles for employees or deliveries.

The Montego Countryman 2.0D was marketed as a **versatile, economical choice**, making it popular among a wide range of buyers. 

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Spares

You can find spare parts for the Austin Montego at several places in the UK and Ireland:

1. **AutoPartsPro**: They offer a wide range of original parts for the Austin Montego, including brakes, filters, and engine components.

2. **EU-Spares**: This site provides OE branded parts for the Montego, with options for both the saloon and estate models.

3. **Breakeryard**: They sell both new and used parts for the Austin Montego, often at competitive prices³.

4. **Motor-Doctor**: Another good option for finding various auto parts for the Montego.

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Specialists

Here are some specialists in the UK and Ireland who can help with Austin Montego parts and services:

1. **Maestro & Montego Owners Club**: This club offers a wealth of knowledge, parts, and support for Austin Montego owners.

2. **Rimmer Bros**: They provide a wide range of parts for classic British cars, including the Austin Montego.

3. **Anglo Parts**: Specialising in parts for British classic cars, they have a good selection for the Austin Montego.

4. **Earlpart**: Known for supplying parts for classic British cars, they can help with Austin Montego components.

**NORTHERN IRELAND AUSTIN SPECIALIST LIST**

Austin specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:

1. McMillan Specialist Cars: They offer a wide range of services including maintenance, repairs, and full restorations. They are located at Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN. You can contact them at 028 9335 49111.

2. Nufinish: With over 18 years of experience, they handle smart cosmetic and light damage repairs. They are located at Unit 24, Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim BT41 4LH. Their contact number is 028 9446 60142.

3. D S Autos: This garage specialises in all makes and models of car repairs, including servicing, diagnostics, and more. They are based at 67 Church St, Antrim BT41 4BE. You can reach them at 028 9446 66623.

Austin Specialists in County Armagh Northern Ireland

Here are a few options for Austin specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:

1. McMullan Auto Services: They offer a range of services including car servicing, maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. They are located at 85A Fergort Rd, Armagh BT60 3DN. You can contact them at 028 3753 17661.

2. Elite Motor Performance: This garage provides various auto repair services and is based in Armagh2.

3. Pittstop: Another option in Armagh, offering comprehensive garage services2.

If you need more details or have specific requirements, feel free to let me know!

Austin Specialist in County Down Northern Ireland

John Chatham Cars

• Location: Wellinghouse Farm, Moorhouse Lane, Hallen, Bristol BS10 7RT

• Services: Specializes in restoring, treating, and maintaining Austin Healeys and other classic British sports cars from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. They offer classic car restoration, servicing, and race preparation.

• Contact: You can reach them at 0117 950 1836. More information is available on their website.

Merlin Classic Cars

• Location: The Ropery, Unit 1C Redmoor Lane, Stockport SK22 3JL

• Services: Renowned for their restoration, maintenance, race preparation, and sales of all Austin Healey marques. They have over 30 years of experience in restoring classic and vintage vehicles.

• Contact: You can contact them at 01663 746499. More details can be found on their website.

Austin mechanic specialist in County FermanaghNorthern Ireland

1. Lochside Garages: While they are primarily Vauxhall dealers, they offer comprehensive servicing and repairs for various car brands. They are located at 22 Tempo Road, Enniskillen BT74 6HR. You can contact them at 028 6632 4366.

2. Enniskillen Motor Services: They provide a range of vehicle services, including diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance. They are based in Enniskillen.

3. Austin mechanic specialist in County Londonderry Northern Ireland

Austin specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:

1. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd: They provide expert vehicle maintenance and car bodywork repairs. Located at 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ. You can contact them at 028 7130 2100.

2. S M C Motors: Offering a range of garage services throughout County Londonderry.

3. Satnams Garage: Another reliable option for various auto repair services in Londonderry.

Austin specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:

1. KG Truck & Plant: Based in Dungannon, they offer mobile mechanics for plant machinery and hydraulic repairs. They provide 24/7 on-site services and have over 20 years of experience. You can contact them at 07771 904 505.

2. NR Trucks Ltd: Located at 70 Armagh Road, Dungannon, they offer a range of services for commercial vehicles. You can reach them at 028 8778 9775.

3. Tyrone Diesel Systems: Specialising in the testing and repair of diesel fuel systems, they are the only fully authorised Bosch Diesel Centre in Northern Ireland. They are based in Omagh

These specialists should be able to assist you with any parts or advice you need for your Montego.

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Racing

The Austin Montego was not widely known for its racing achievements. However, it did participate in some motorsport events, particularly in club racing and rallying circuits in the UK. The MG Montego, a performance version, saw some action in these smaller racing events¹².

While it may not have a storied racing history, the Montego did have its moments in the spotlight, especially in the hands of enthusiasts who appreciated its potential.

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Snippets

The MG Montego was a performance-oriented version of the Austin Montego, produced from 1984 to 1991. Here are some key details:

**MG Montego 2.0i**

- **Engine**: 2.0 L O-Series I4 with electronic fuel injection, producing 115 bhp.

- **Performance**: 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds, top speed of 115 mph.

- **Features**: Deeper front spoiler, boot-mounted spoiler, alloy wheels, and a distinctive red interior trim².

**MG Montego Turbo**

- **Engine**: 2.0 L O-Series I4 with a turbocharger, producing around 150 bhp.

- **Performance**: Significantly improved acceleration and top speed compared to the non-turbo version.

- **Features**: Power-assisted steering, electric windows, central locking, heated door mirrors, and a sunroof¹⁵.

The MG Montego was appreciated for its blend of practicality and performance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.

Also, the MG Montego had several unique design features that set it apart from the standard Austin Montego:

1. **Deeper Front Spoiler**: This gave the car a sportier look and improved aerodynamics¹.

2. **Boot-Mounted Spoiler**: Added for better stability at higher speeds¹.

3. **Special Alloy Wheels**: These wheels were designed to accommodate low-profile tires, which helped maintain control in the event of a puncture¹.

4. **Body-Coloured Bumpers**: These provided a more cohesive and modern appearance³.

5. **Hidden Front Wipers**: The wipers were designed to tuck under the bonnet when not in use, enhancing the car's sleek look³.

These features, along with the performance enhancements, made the MG Montego a distinctive and appealing option for enthusiasts.