Faults:

Front differential is starting to make a whining noise when pulling away.

Clutch is about due for replacement (expected with mileage).

Crack in windscreen from a flying stone (but replaced via insurance)

General Comments:

Having owned a 420 SD previous to this car, I knew what to expect. This one has the more powerful, intercooled engine however, whereas my previous one was the non-intercooled version and the power difference is immediately noticeable. The SDi kicks in a lot quicker, and is a much more driveable car than the SD in my opinion.

The Leather seats are extremely comfortable (much more so than the seats in the SD), and everything is within easy reach; you do not have to stretch to reach the controls etc. The GSDi version, being the top spec, has electric windows all round also (as opposed to just fronts in the SD) and also has working air con, which is an advantage in the warmer months (my SD had a sunroof of which I was supposed to be grateful!)

The L-Series engine again does not disappoint in this car, in fact I am very impressed with it (and I was impressed with the non intercooled variant in my previous 400 also!) - power on tap to get you out of sticky situations and it can throw you back in your seat - the intercooled SDi model is also a bit more economical than the SD also!!

The real tester for this car will be a 1200 mile round trip to Cornwall and back in September, and I am hoping it will do it fine, although the mileage concerns with regards to wear and tear are a slight worry, but we shall see!

Faults:

The power steering fluid started to drop.

The right headlight bulb blew.

General Comments:

The Rover 400 is so understated it's practically invisible.

Also it has been very comfortable, reliable and cheap to run.

My car is British Racing Green, which I think is the best colour.

The interior is well built and spacious, fitting in four passengers and their shopping last Christmas.

Faults:

Turbo pipe came off at 73000 miles.

Drivers side window came out of its runners at 74000 miles.

Remote central locking occasionally fails to open.

General Comments:

Having come from a mark 1 MR2, I was slightly concerned about the lack of performance, but this has proven to not be the case. Obviously it's not as fast as the Toyota, but it cruises effortlessly, and with the turbo it does have fairly good acceleration.

The interior seems to be well put together, and the car has a good level of specification, with 4x electric windows, sunroof, remote central locking etc. Boot space is terrific for a medium size hatchback, easily swallowing up our daughters pushchair, a weeks worth of groceries and all other luggage associated with mobilising a small army (new baby)!

I struggle to turn less than 45 mpg on a regular basis, which for a 2 litre, old design of engine is not bad. The engine doesn't burn oil and has been a very reliable car for the short time that I have owned it.

If you are after a cheap, reliable car, then surely one of these must be worth a look.

Faults:

Power steering pump.

General Comments:

Super car, it went like the clappers, comfortable, and very, very reliable.

Some areas were of cheap plastic (coin holder drawer), and doors seemed a bit 'tinny' when closing, but apart from that, I was very pleased with it.

If Rover hadn't gone belly up, I would have bought another - perhaps more British people should have supported their own countries efforts instead of buying foreign!