Faults:

Radiator fans stopped working due to failure of switch operated by thermostat.

Hood and door linings needed re-gluing (common to some European and English cars).

Cambelt renewed at 100,000 km and full service done - the only expense so far.

General Comments:

Have owned 100+ vehicles, and I can honestly say this Rover 400 gives one of the most pleasant relaxed motoring experiences of any. Nothing spectacular mind, just good, honest, economical and comfortable driving.

The car is immaculate, silver with light grey leather seats, well upholstered and long-lasting. Has the ambiance of a great looking car that gets favourable comments.

The 1.6L Honda motor and auto are so smooth and lively enough for me. Bought cheap $2250 as a trade-in at a big car sales yard in Christchurch NZ. The car was assembled in Japan.

Faults:

The heater motor only worked on position 3 & 4 (£3.5 repair).

Glow plugs needed replacing.

Anything else is just general maintenance.

General Comments:

I bought this car for £300... £300.

Since I've bought it, it has had a service, brake discs and brake pads and that's it!

These cars are amazingly reliable! Based on the Honda Civic with a Rover L series diesel (Good enough for Honda to use in their Civic and Accord at the time), this car will just not let you down.

It's roomy, and easily fits in the wife and kids, as well as luggage and prams and stuff.

Granted the interior trim isn't as high quality in the boot for example, but I paid £300... I'd be mad to complain!

It has all the comforts that I would need, and regularly comes out at above 50 mpg!

On the basis of the 20000 miles per annum I do with this car, it is costing me £0.12 to run and that's only because the extortionate diesel prices.

Faults:

Nothing to date.

General Comments:

Having been warned (frequently) about potential problems with Rover's K series engine, I have had nor problems of any sort. The car was bought cheaply and has performed faultlessly.

Performance is more than adequate, and comfort is very good. Boot space (mine is a 400 saloon - in my opinion a much classier looking car than the hatchback) is excellent.

Running costs are, as you would expect, higher than for a car such as a Metro or Corsa, but are not unreasonable.

Faults:

No mechanical faults in the two years of my ownership.

General Comments:

Really surprised, two years on and no problems whatsoever apart from blowing a few bulbs. The Flame Red paintwork is also exemplary. If I had to fault the car I would have to say the steering is a little on the heavy side and tends to want to follow ruts in the road. The Honda engine pulls well, but the ratios on the 2nd and 3rd gears could have been spaced better. (Automatic box). Seats aren't the most comfortable, but there is good adjustment and it's reasonably well equipped for this size of car (1998)

Faults:

Failed emissions at 99,000 miles, new part fitted.

Centre brake light on rear window fell off, easily remedied with some glue.

Fogged up headlight.

General Comments:

Rover 400 Diesels aren't slow believe me!

This car is fast, reliable, economical and very comfortable and doesn't deserve the old man image it is associated with.

The car handles sweetly and is also well equipped.

This car also tows a caravan very nicely too.

Faults:

Injectors was miss-firing.

Front brakes seized up.

Rust spots appeared.

General Comments:

The car can be pricey, depending on how you drive it, but on long journeys its very good.

The car is very good for speed especially at top end, where you can reach 120mph with ease. it has 111bhp which is much higher than other manufactures, with the same engine sive and this shows in the performance.

By adding an induction kit you can get a lovely sound and the drive is that more enjoyable.

The car seems very light on the handling and a really smooth drive with hardly any noise from outside.

The boot is very big, being able to fit most things in, with lots of room inside the car even with 5 people in side it.

Loved my first car (mini) but so impressed with the power and looks, I much prefer my 400.