A great wee motor for any driver
Seems to me that the back-end slides out when roads are wet or if taking a roundabout to tight.
This car has great acceleration and drives quite smooth.
The steering wheel is a good size and comfortable to handle.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th January, 2004
Understated wolf in sheep's clothing!
When I first got the car I had problems with it cutting out when dipping the clutch. This only happened when there were high-drain electrical items switched on like the heated rear screen. The dealer diagnosed and replaced under warranty a faulty ECU which fixed the problem.
The car tends to have quite a juddery clutch when pulling away. This is only during cold weather and when it has been standing for a while, but once it has warmed up the problem goes away. The problem hasn't got any worse so I have just lived with it!
It is a nice car to drive. The seats are comfortable and the driving position and visibility is good.
The car is overall solidly built. There are a few rattles from the dash area, but nothing has fallen off and everything has a solid click or clunk to it when using the switch-gear.
Equipment levels are quite sparse compared to modern cars, but with the Si you do get electric windows and sunroof, remote locking as well as the standard power-steering, alarm/immobilisor.
The standard stereo isn't much good, but it's a standard fit so you can replace it easily with whatever you want. The standard speakers are very reasonable and I didn't bother to replace mine.
The engine is a gem! 0-60 comes up in just over 9 seconds and whilst there isn't huge pulling power lower down the rev range, once you get it spinning at 3,500 rpm it pulls like a train all the way to the red-line!
The car is economical too. If I drive sedately 40MPG is possible, which is pretty impressive for a 1.6 engine, and what's more even if you drive thrash it it still gives you in the MPG in the 30's.
Insurance is a mere group 7, which for the performance is pretty stunning really.
You can pick them up pretty cheaply now since the 200 has been replaced with the 25, and some fantastic bargains can be had. Would be Escort buyer's take note - this is a far better, reliable and classier car to spend your money on!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th December, 2003
To the guy above: It was a fault in early ECUs of this car, apparently the problem is fixed in later cars (1998 on), but you problem could also be due to a faulty stepper motor (it controls the idle speed), or it may need resetting. You can take it to a dealer to be reset, but unofficially you can reset it yourself by doing the following:
1. Turn the ignition to position 2 (electrics - DO NOT START THE CAR!)
2. Now press the accelerator 5 times (floor it)
3. Switch off the ignition, wait a few seconds and then start the car.
At least it was safe..
Reversing lights have never worked.
Squeaky seats weren't comfortable.
Rattling from dashboard very annoying.
Brakes replaced at 37000 miles.
Rear wash pipe needed replacing.
Head gasket blew at 43000 miles.
The best thing about the Rover was its safety. It took a hell of a whack a few days ago when some silly girl hit the side of me and forced me into the crash barrier.
Totally destroyed the car, but no injuries obtained (however I was a little curious as to why the airbags didn't go off) and I can now look for something cheap and nasty.
It's pointless getting new cars when there are very inconsiderate people who can take away your pride and joy in a heartbeat.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 1st September, 2003
4th Jan 2004, 05:18
I have the same problem with my rover (stalling!!!). my used car dealer did everything from replacing sensors to changing inlet manifold. I told them repeatedly that it was the ECU which they refused to believe and still do- what can I do??? dodgy dealer beware!!!