1995 Rover - Austin 200 214 SEI 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Quick, cheap and with loads of kit

Faults:

The alternator failed at 72000 miles which isn't bad and a replacement was cheaply bought from a scrap yard.

The dashboard binnacle vibrated when driven over 60mph.

General Comments:

The car was a high spec car for the money I paid for it with alloy wheels, half leather seats and electric windows.

For a 1.4 the K series engine is very lively, but needs to be revved to get the best from it, unfortunately it handles like a big heavy car with lots of under-steer and vague steering.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th February, 2004

1995 Rover - Austin 200 214 SEi 1.4 DOHC from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Overall the best car I have owned!

Faults:

Coolant loss from Fuel inlet manifold at 75,000 miles.

Thermostat failed at 76,000 miles.

General Comments:

Great looking car with attractive factory-fitted alloy wheels.

Interior puts cars twice the price to shame. Wood, half leather.

Very good build quality when compared to other cars in class (Astra and Escort etc.)

Superb engine, Far, far better than all other 1.4 engines I have used. Easily out-performs cars with 1.6 or 1.8 engines.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th March, 2003

1995 Rover - Austin 200 214 SLi 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very cheap, very quick.. worth every penny!

Faults:

I've only had this Rover a short period of time, however, there have been no major problems.

I have noticed that sometimes the clutch can make the car shake in 1st and second at times...

General Comments:

I love this car... It is the fastest and most reliable 1.4 I have ever driven... I have been over 100mph in this Rover and the car was still running smooth without a hint of the engine laboring.

The power steering is excellent although it can cause confusion on ice as the steering is so light!

The car really starts to fly at 4000rpm in 3rd gear... perfect for overtaking...

The car handles brilliantly, much better than any car I have owned and is almost on par with my old Proton Compact 1.3 that was lowered 40mm and on 16" alloys.

I hope to get this car lowered 30mm and get some 16s for this too... then it will be able to stick to the road like glue...

All I can say is buy one... I bought mine for £995 and it is immaculate inside and out. They are very cheap to run (40mpg on average) Low insurance (about group 8-10) and very, very quick and very, very, VERY good fun!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2003

10th Jun 2004, 08:43

125k now and still going strong... had a new alternator, starter motor and clutch... Expensive yes... but they had been in the car for a long time and had done their work!

Still moving quick and still good around town...

...Sadly, looking to upgrade from this Rover... maybe to a new 200 1.6Si 16v or Fiat Punto Sporting!

Still sticking to my previous review and is still loads of fun to drive and even my friends like it!

Still the quickest 1.4 I've driven!

18th Aug 2009, 16:19

I owe a Rover 214SLi from 95;so far I've never had any serious trouble, except replacing the battery, and refilling the air conditioner circuit. It has been a superb car, fast enough whenever necessary, comfortable, reliable, and I only regret that Rover no longer exists in UK. Longbridge was a magic place...

Aquarius56

Almada, Portugal.

1995 Rover - Austin 200 214SEi 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good all rounder

Faults:

Battery, Head gasket, Gearbox, all within 10000 miles of buying this car, but it is an old girl.

General Comments:

It has lots of nice extras 1/2 leather hide, electric windows and the 3 door version looks sporty, the engine is a little honey and was used by Caterham in there Caterham 7. The car I have did not have any service history, which is a must and my mother has a Si version that has 130k and is still going strong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th January, 2003

1995 Rover - Austin 200 220 GSI 2.0 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A high performance bargain

Faults:

Since I have bought the car the only thing that has cost me money was a service that I insisted on having when I first got the car.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with the car I think that its sporty on the out side, but has more of a luxurious feel on the inside.

The main perks of the car are all the features that you have to play with. Such as power windows, power sunroof, power mirrors and power steering.

As for the looks of the car you get comfort with half leather seats.

On the outside the alloy wheels and the spoiler and skirts give the car a really sporty look.

The power of the car is quite amazing!

0-60mph is in 8.5 seconds

I have managed to get 130mph out of my baby (on a private track!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2002