Faults:
The clutch went at about 29,000 miles.
The rear exhaust has been replaced twice.
The middle section of the exhaust has been replaced once.
The front section of the exhaust has been replaced twice.
The head gasket went at about 40,000 miles.
Headlight problem, it needed a new relay which was rather expensive!
Water pump packed in at about 80,000 miles.
The drivers seat is broken... loss of support on the right hand side.
General Comments:
I bought this car second hand from a Rover dealer.
In the first year and a half I was very dissatisfied, however apart from having to replace the rear, front and middle sections of the exhaust as well as the water pump, it ran fine after that.
The interior is quite nice, and I like the colour scheme of the dash.
I have spent around £1500 on the car to keep it going (not including servicing) so to be honest I wouldn't really recommend this sort of car.
If however you are 'dead set' on getting one I will admit that it can show up a lot of cars at the lights!
I fitted an ecotek valve to the car and noticed a considerable improvement on the economy. I was able to get around 50 miles more to a tank with this valve fitted. the most I ever got out of it was 395 miles to a full 45 litre tank.
I am told that you should go for the 216 version since it has a Honda engine... I say "Get a Honda!".
I will be replacing the car for a Honda Civic Coupe in the near future, but I will definitely be sad to see it go.
16th Dec 2001, 16:21
It's a Rover engine, not a Honda. Honda provided the 1.6 unit.