Faults:

Head gasket replaced at 60K (caused by water pump failure).

Driver's door handle broke.

General Comments:

Car loves to rev, and can still keep pace with most modern cars.

Dry weather roadholding excellent, although grip in wet is limited.

Economy / performance balance is brilliant (> 42 mpg on motorway)

Still looks great, even though the design is approx 17 years old.

Faults:

Engine used to overheat due to loose water expansion tank lid. Was scary as I thought the head gasket was going.

Targa top leaks a little bit, but you can live with it.

Radiator fan stopped working.

Headlight keeps leveling itself up and down

General Comments:

Brilliant fun for the money, brilliant acceleration, but just wheel spins in the wet; traction is very poor with high tyre wear.

The VVC kicks in at a good time, and fuel consumption is good if you drive sensibly with a return of 60 - 70 miles to £10, but if you sit it on the limiter, then you will get half that.

Front seats are brilliant and comfortable, but rear leg room and head space is very low as expected from a coupe.

Ensure you keep the 15" alloys that come originally on the car, as they stick to the road well. Do not upgrade to 17s like I did, as I lost all my handling.

These cars have head gasket problems, therefore make sure the water and oil is regularly checked and the car is serviced. Very useful to get the head gasket tightened every once in a while.

To sum this car up, you will not get better performance for the money. I like the looks and interior, but it's a bit depressing knowing that someone in a bubble shape 200 has the same interior as you. Buy one, enjoy it and then sell it quick time if you suspect any engine problems with it.

Faults:

The car did not require major work - the only things I did was service the car and change the discs and pads all around, and the CV joints.

General Comments:

The car was so reliable. the engine would turn over every time, and even being an automatic, it was very quick and powerful for a 1.6.

I would recommend the Honda engine, because the Rover engines have a reputation for head gaskets to go on them.

The car was quick and handled well.

The interior was comfortable, but a bit cramped at the back, having a T top does provide a sense of freedom, and is so good in the summer.

The car is an uncommon car, which makes it a good buy, and perfect if you're looking for something a bit different.

The parts and labour are relatively cheap, and the electrics are very good.

The only downside I can say, is that when on motorways, the wind can be heard in the cabin, and this would not suit a person over 6 foot.

To sum the car up - it's original, cheap and reliable, and can be purchased for a reasonable price with extras like ABS, T top, fog lights and full electrics.

Faults:

Alternator blew after 1 month.

Seats were badly worn, driver seat sunk and had no support.

Engine started to knock and 1 week later the bottom end went, and the con rod shafted through the engine block. I put another Honda engine in and the same happened again a few months later! Supposed to be a brilliant engine!

Blowers stopped working, only had number three working!

General Comments:

The car was quick for a 1.6 although couldn't keep up with a ford fiesta Zetec 1.6!

I had it lowered 50mm and it handled really well, stuck to the road!

T-bar roof is wicked in summer, but car gets very hot through the glass when the roof is on!

Quite roomy with a nice driving position.

Looks the part, turns lots of heads.

2 Honda engines blew so the car was a disappointment!