Catalytic converter collapsed after 40,000mls.
Only usual parts, tyres, etc.
Excellent fun to drive, with as much grip as I ever needed round corners and pretty quick in a straight line.
Bad side is the constant rattles and squeaks from the trim. After 12 months it drove me round the twist and I had to change it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th May, 1999
Clutch needed replacing due to squeeling at 35,000.
Drivers electric window has never been right, and probably will never be right. Doesn't go up and down straight so never quite seals up. Rover incapable of fixing this.
Various rattles.
Alternator gave up at 48,000.
Alarm/Immobilizer problem in areas with strong radio signals (i.e. near masts). Jams up alarm and immobilizes car. Affects most Rovers apparently.
At 50,000 has started consuming a litre of oil every 6,000 miles.
1.4 engine is really quite amazing. 101bhp from such a small engine is impressive, and performance though not incredible is at least brisk. Some of this is helped by gearing, but downside is high revving at speed (4,000rpm at 80mph).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 11th April, 1999
Radio reception is awful with any radio fitted - apparently this is a common fault.
Well I've only had it a week, but I'm impressed with the engine, handling, style, and comfort.
When I've fitted a MiniDisc head unit to it, plus some nice alloys it will be perfect!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th March, 1999
Battery failed 1 week after purchase!
New exhaust.
New front discs & pads.
Various suspension bushes.
Bought 3 years old, 12k miles, half new price!
Now 45k and getting better.
Performance staggering, cross-country A-road ability needs experiencing to be believed.
Economy at 28=>35mpg brilliant considering performance.
Why don't Rover do a decent replacement? (eg new 400 with 2.5 litre, twin turbo!)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st February, 1999
Nothing!
Upgraded the head unit to a Kenwood mask unit, new front and rear speakers (Kenwood), Kenwood amp and sub.
Koni Racing springs and dampers, the car is now 45mm lower. 15 inch Wolfrace 5 spoke alloys with 195/50 Yokohama racing performance tyres. K&N high performance racing air filter.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th February, 1999
Overheating problem at 21,000 miles led to blown head gasket and the engine had to be replaced. To their credit Rover paid for the new engine out of goodwill even though the car was 4 years old (the value of having it always serviced at a main dealer).
Dealer service is better than it used to be but when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter how many customer service courses they have been on, you are still dealing with a mechanic.
Very light, pleasant car to drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 31st January, 1999
Drive-shaft fell out and took the limited slip-diff as well.
Then killed my bank balance.
200 BHP standard, remove the cat and add performance exhaust and air-filter.
You have a Cosworth...220BHP.
I had an Astra GTE 16v, now this. This is so much faster it's unreal. But the handling needs a look next I feel. The comfort only gets 6, because the ride is so hard.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st January, 1999
Nothing YET!!!
The half leather seat are so comfortable you could fall asleep (but not whilst you're driving). The rip of the exhaust is music to my ears.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st January, 1999
Headlights, alternator belt, window sticking, windscreen wiper motor.
Very low grade stereo for class of car and quite noisy but comfortable ride and good mpg.
Parts are very expensive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th January, 1999
Nothing major has gone wrong in over 80k of motoring.
Dealer is helpful and efficient.
Dislikes -
Brakes : discs on front and drums on back give very little stopping power. No ABS
Stereo : underpowered and low quality
Performance : Slow and noisy
Like:
Style and build quality is good both inside and out.
Half leather sport seats are comfortable on long journeys.
Equipment is generally good.
Summary : A good reliable car but I would recommend a 216 instead.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th May, 1998
I this your first 1.4? If the car is slow and noisy you should get it checked out!! You probably have one of the fastest standard 1.4 engines in the country. I do not think you will find one that will match it especially that age any how.
Suppress engine noise with an oil change, add an air filter induction kit for more responsive performance and you will be laughing when the flash git in his BMW 318 is left in your mirror at the lights!!!
Driver's window winder mechanism broke, when I tried to wind down a window frozen to the rubbers - My fault.
Major oil leak at c.1 year - Fixed after much searching by Rover Dealer.
Exhaust replaced at c 48K.
New front link suspension bushes for year 4 MOT.
Realistically, except oil leak, nothing you wouldn't expect.
Get's through front tyres very quickly (c. 12K), but backs are original (now around 54K).
Great, torquey 16v 2 litre engine. Nice upholstery and fairly roomy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th March, 1998
Clutch gone within 28k miles, dealer refused to fix it under warranty.
Nice solid car. Visibility not good when parking.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th January, 1998
New ECU fitted (35K miles).
New Power Steering tank fitted (15K miles).
Faulty alarm.
Driver's door window track adjusted but still faulty.
Only my 2nd car but 50,000 miles of generally happy motoring. Quality of servicing is very much down to individual garages - Some good, some poor.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th November, 1997
3rd Jan 2001, 14:41
May I ASK what is wrong with a mechanic? Although I work for Volkswagen, I have and will always give cars the treatment I give my own car, and nothing but the best will pass my inspection.