Faults:

Just had to have the belts changed and a tensioner kit, but this is not really a problem - just has to be done!

Had to have the fuel pump refurbished due to a slight leak (£80)

New front disc's - again just due to wear, not a fault.

General Comments:

Jesus! does this car do MPG!

Around town and general messing about (max run about 5 miles) the car does 45 to the gallon.

Not fast, but pulls quite reasonably at town speeds - just a bit slow 50+

The car looks as average as it could get - same goes for the interior.

Build quality is excellent, even after 174000 miles there are no interior squeaks or rattles which I think is quite impressive.

Does its job - and does it well.

Faults:

Gearbox overhaul at 63,000 miles due to worn bearings.

Drivers side door lock motor not working at 65,000 miles.

New exhaust system inc. CAT at 68,000 miles.

Replaced drive-shaft seals at 70,000 miles.

Replaced several suspension links / bushes at 72,000 miles.

General Comments:

With it's dark interior, half leather sports seats, tinted windows and 15 inch alloy wheels it looks like a great car that hasn't aged as much as it should.

The engine is fantastic. Great low end Torque means the car can be driven at 3000 Rpm or less and it is a smooth, economical car that goes where you point it.

Open the throttle past 4500 Rpm and the torque remains high as it fast approaches 103 Bhp. Put it into a bend it'll roll, but the low profile, wide tyres stick to the road allowing only a hint of under-steer.

No other 1.4 litre engine can match it as it also tears strips out of 1.6 and 1.8 litre cars.

Same under chassis and suspension layout as 200 Coupe models so is easily modded.

Rover K Series engines are used in Lotus and Caterham cars, amongst others, so lots of kit out there to squeeze more Bhp out of this feisty 1.4.

Faults:

Hole in back box of exhaust, also small hole in middle section of exhaust.

General Comments:

As the car had been lying for nearly 6 months without being used, I have no complaints about the exhaust going.

The car belonged to the father of a friend. Unfortunately my friends dad is unable to use the car anymore due to an illness, and his wife was wanting it out of their driveway.

I would like to hear from anyone who may have a solution to a vibration which seems to be coming from just under the bonnet near the windscreen when doing 2500/300 revs. This happens mostly when I change gear. I remember watching a program called Used Car Heaven on Sky Men&Motors about 6 months ago, and they gave an explanation of what causes this, and how to cure it. I'm damned if I can remember what the fix is...! All I remember is that the fix took about 10 minutes and cost about a tenner.

Does anyone remember this item or know how to get rid of this annoying little (hopefully!) problem.?

Other than that, I think the 214 is a comfortable car to drive with a bit of refinement thrown in for good measure.