Faults:

Gearbox failed two days after purchase as the nearside drive shaft popped out.

Water pump poured life blood at 72000, had cam belt changed too, slipped a tooth when returned, then snapped - the idiot who fitted it to blame (you know who you are PL)!

Burst coolant hose on day due to be sold (typical)

General Comments:

Part build quality higher than expected, but doesn't fit together all that well.

Quite nice to drive.

My confidence in Rover died the moment the car did - then Rover died.

Faults:

Just a crap car basicaly head gasket problems plagued this car I am reliably told.

General Comments:

One of lifes rubbish cars, even inside, whilst comfortable it had a digital clock set in a mock wood dash - bad taste... the damn thing drank water like it was going out of fashion. All in all a rubbish car...

Faults:

Head gasket went at 79000 miles. The thermostat had failed and the temperature meter was reading incorrectly, the small coolant capacity quickly disappeared. Cost 350 pounds to repair. Gasket had to be custom made and cylinder head had to be skimmed. Lost confidence with the car and sold it one month later.

Clutch shuddered every time and worn synchromesh, even at 61000 miles. This apparently was a common fault with this model. Handling was also below par.

Rotary fan blower switch failed, only worked on position 3 and 4. Heated rear window switch also failed, common with the 1989-1992 models. Replacements obtained from breakers yard.

Dash mounted clock bulb failed, easily replaced by levering off the walnut trim to access the clock unit.

Electric windows and sunroof operated very slowly. Needed regular oiling. The motors weren't powerful enough, common fault on this model.

Very difficult for self maintenance. All components tightly packed in engine compartment and main fuse box awkwardly located. Fuel cut off switch accidentally triggered when upgrading stereo.

General Comments:

This model was fully loaded, previous owner specified every option. Came with air conditioning, full leather interior and all electrics. Everything worked fine whilst I owned the car.

Honda 1.6 engine provided excellent performance, comparable to modern 1.8 petrol engine and one of the best back in 1990.

Leather seats were very comfortable. Air conditioning coped exceptionally well during very warm summer 2003.

Faults:

Steering gaiters split at 38000.

General Comments:

Since replacing the air box with a K&N filter, it's now longer docile up to 3000 revs.

This car as an overall package out performs the Golf GTI on every count.

Faults:

Nothing is wrong with the car, until the engine broke down due to cam belt failure. It was my fault that I forgot to change it after I've been using it frequently, for 5 months.

Since it was very cheap when I bought it, I didn't give enough attention to the car, so the MOT fails on the CV joints rubbers, on 2 of the suspensions.

Again due to high mileage.

General Comments:

The car was very reliable, never broken down before. Economical, quite fun to drive in motorways. It drives up to 100 mph, although so noisy, some interior parts rattle etc.

The look is all right for the year.

Without power steering, it's heavy when parking.

The size is just perfect, not too big (so that uneconomical), not too small, enough up to 5 people with seat belt.