1997 Rover - Austin 200 Si 1.4 twin cam 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

One for those with a heavy right foot

Faults:

The N/S wing mirror was broken when I got the car and rover wanted £60 for a new one!

General Comments:

This car is incredibly fast for a 1.4! it has the performance of a 1.6 - 1.8 when I drive with a heavy right foot. The handling took some getting used to as my previous cars didn't have power-steering. Also the car has too much over-steer when pushed for my liking. This will soon be sorted when it will be lowered. The driving position is spot on, but the position of the radio is hard to function due to the gear-stick being so close when in 3rd or 5th gears. Apart from that, I love this car, and in British Racing Green looks the part.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2004

3rd Nov 2005, 10:37

Yeh, is very quick for 1400. superchip it and its a lot difference.

1997 Rover - Austin 200 SE Auto Cabriolet 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cabriolet Bargain

Faults:

Head Gasket blew at 40K

ECU replaced at 44K

Tear in Roof.

I have had recent problems with the car idling.I took it to Rover and they diagnosed a faulty ECU and Throttle Housing.

I had the ECU repaired by Unipart's ECU Express service and they found problems with the Stepper Motor controls, i have since refitted the repaired ECU and still seem to be having the same problems. i am wondering whether it is worth replacing the Throttle housing (which i dont think needs to be done) or replace the stepper motor, as this could this have been the cause of the ECU fault.

Can a faulty stepper motor damage the stepper controls on the ECU?

The car starts and runs, but in neutral or park it revs high and sometimes it will stall when coming to standstill

General Comments:

A very nice spec car for very little cost compared to an equivalent spec Megane or 306 convertible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2004

21st Feb 2004, 10:05

They seem to be nothing, but trouble these rovers, too many people report probs with head gaskets and ECU's for my liking. Think I'll stick to Toyotas!

28th Sep 2004, 17:43

Head gaskets are a common problem on 216 cabriolets. many people will tell you that they have a "Honda Engined" 216 Cab, not true. No Honda engines ever appeared in cabriolets, the choice being the Rover derived k series - K16 in the 216's. Best option is to have your garage replace the head gasket as soon as you acquire the car, after market replacements will provide a permanent fix and are not expensive compared to the saving over a similar, but otherwise inferior Golf, Astra or Escort.

Resell value is much better on the 216 SE with leather and power hood than other cars in the range. Avoid the 214 which is underpowered.

Many hoods are in poor condition because the hood frame is not properly lubricated and seizes. A DIY replacement from Ebay costs about 175.00 and is a fairly straight forward job. Keep the frame well oiled using a 0w15 or similar engine oil.

Service history is a massive plus on these cars - demonstrates proper care and lack of abuse.

31st Oct 2004, 01:22

I'm nor sure about the last of the cabrio's with the later dash, but the earlier 1.6's DO HAVE Honda engines.

30th Jan 2009, 14:27

Yes even mine, I have a problem with idling too, so your think that is the ECU.

1997 Rover - Austin 200 220 SDI 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An unbelievable car

Faults:

At 96000 miles I had to replace the brake master cylinder.

New Glow plugs and battery at 100000 miles.

General Comments:

This is a very quick and reliable car. it will catch pigeons and gives any boy racer something to worry about. the interior is holding out well, it hasn't developed any major rattles and the steering wheel has not become in the slightest bit smooth. the only fault I can pick with this car is that it eats air filters, but that is a small price to pay for such a brilliant car. this car is a credit to rover and has been seriously underestimated by others.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2004