Oh the memories of trying to be patriotic in the 1970’s and 80’s. I had two Austin 1100’s one after the other. What possessed me?! So called engineers decided to put the gearbox under the engine and both used the same oil.....no wonder the gearboxes only lasted 60k. I was assured after the first one went that they were better now......utter B/S.....same thing happened. No fun trying to drive off the M6 to Liverpool stuck in 3rd gear with the selectors gone. All the models were absolute sh*te. People asked why I went foreign (oh the shame)? My retort was to say that if you bought a cr*p suit would you by from the same manufacturer again?
Mind you ever Rover today not much better......same old gearboxes pack up about 60k......usually just out of warranty! Ask me how I know?
Nothing changes!!