Faults:

Tyre wear can be high on front tyres if the car is pushed to limits at which it can easily cope. Although I advise purchase of T (rather than S) rater tyres as they last longer.

Rust can be a problem, as with most older rovers, especially watch out for the rear wheel arches and around the jacking points (can lead to an MOT fail).

Head gaskets are a common problem with K-series engines although regular checks while making general engine oil/water checks can spot the problem and prevent a major problem.

On mine the water pump is starting to go, and after long runs - the radiator hence needs topping up.

Other main problems include maintenace of the hydragas suspension system as lower ride heights result in a far less smooth ride, reduced handling, and also bottoming out (of the manifold) on speed humps.

General Comments:

For an onld, cheap to buy 8v car the metro engine is very good. Free reeving with good mid range talk means that it is surprisingly nippy - especially on back roads where you can keep up with bigger sportier (and heavier) cars.

Recently I was told that it handles like a go kart - you point it and it goes, although in winter understear can become a problem with the narrow tyres.

The cabin, especially with the beige trim looks smart and is comfortable, although the standard Philips radio is substandard (the speakers are good).

Running costs are low, I average 35MPG at worst and parts are reasonably priced.

I have driven the car for over 6 years and I have had no major problems with it, just a lot of tyres.

Cheap to buy, cheap to run, nippy and good handling. For the price I don't think you could do better now.

Faults:

Not much really.

Heater doesn't work apart from level 3.

General Comments:

What a great car this is.

Superb handling and suspension.

Very quick.

Needs to be revved though..

Will see off most so called "better cars" with ease.

Add some tuning parts to it or drop in the 1800 from the Lotus Elise/MGF models for 120bhp.

Faults:

Only problems as of yet are; signs of rust on the bottom of the drivers door.

The intermittent wipers do not work.

General Comments:

A very quick little hatch.

The seats are very comfortable.

Cheap Insurance, only £385 fully comp.

Faults:

Rear brake calipers leaking.

Back-box on the exhaust - baffles have gone..

General Comments:

Startling performance.

Great handling, even in the wet.

Comfy front seats.

The look on the face of the driver behind you - worth a million quid.

Rear arches prone to rust bubbles.

Faults:

Thermostat needs replacing.

General Comments:

This car is amazing and the multi point injection model is the best to own.

The handling on this car is superb with no body roll.

The seats are very comfortable and the interior is very smart and sporty.

Faults:

Head gasket failed at 35mph in 4th gear; this was due to the design flaw in early K-series gaskets.

When the head gasket does fail with these engines, 90% of the time it is above the alternator at a waterway and is usually non-terminal.

General Comments:

A very quick little car; its acceleration (0-60mph in 8.3s) and top speed (125mph) in standard form puts many other models in its class to shame.

Other than the head gasket, this car has been exceptionably reliable.

Handling is excellent, with front and rear anti roll bars as standard, and additional damper units fitted to the front.

Design and looks of the car are now getting a little dated.

Service costs are extremely low.