16th Aug 2010, 16:00

I bought a 53 plate (7 years old) City Rover Sprite 1.4 for £1995.00 in June. It in very good condition and only had 27k on the clock.

However, I found out, because of the recent humid weather, that the fan switch didn't work. Instead of blowing on to the screen, it directs to your feet. I've had to have a new part attached which cost me in total £160.00.

I have to agree with other comments that the engine does tend to over rev when you switch it on, & the petrol tank shows 3/4 full, even though I can't get any more petrol in - it's brimming! That said, I love driving the car.

My car was supplied with 2 key fobs and 2 weeks ago one started working very intermittently, as though the battery was dying. This evening when I came to lock the car with the spare fob, I couldn't get any action - it was as dead as a dodo. I had to put the key in the lock and turn it to lock.

I'm worried that the alarm will go off tomorrow, or that the immobiliser will be on and I won't be able to drive it.

Help - has anyone experienced this, or could it just be that I need new batteries for the fobs?

24th Aug 2010, 14:12

Hi Lauren,

If you're still stuck with the car, try part-exchanging it with another garage or sell it on Ebay/Gumtree/Loot.

7th Sep 2010, 14:20

Hi Lauren,

I purchased a City Rover 1.4 in February 2010, good price £2000 for an 04 plate, 40,000 on the clock. Bargain!

What a mistake! If it would run for more than a month without problems, it would actually be a good runaround. I have to get the CAT changed and the gearbox is dying. I am struggling to get it into gear, which is making me a bit paranoid as I began questioning my driving... Oh no, that would be too easy. I had to borrow my daughters car just to prove the fact.. No definitely the car..

Worst purchase I ever made. I feel such an idiot. I am tempted to see if a garage would do a part exchange (I doubt it), but I really can't afford to lose the money that I've already spent, but can't see a way forward.

Oh, and smells of petrol after filling, so I only fill three quarters full, which seems to resolve the petrol smelling problem!

Alison.

10th Sep 2010, 05:57

I have a CityRover Style 54 plate. It keeps losing 1st and 2nd gear, only if I have been in 5th or reverse. It's very annoying. I keep losing power, and now today my engine warning light has come on.

24th Oct 2010, 07:28

Bought mine 2 years ago - no problems at all - just routine servicing and 2 wheel bearings. I've put 35,000 miles on and still no hassle.

Re comments about motorway driving - maybe the clue is in the name - CITY rover - it's a run around for city driving, not a rep's motor for motorways. Love mine.

MK.

24th Dec 2010, 10:16

I have a CityRover 1.4 2004. Starting to worry; MIL warning light has just started to remain on, the rear wiper motor has never worked, and the heating is useless (it is like driving a fridge freezer on four wheels).

Only bought it just over four months ago. I thought why not buy it, it really looked the part, and I at one time actually worked in the Rover group many years ago on the Rover 214 & 216 models at Longbridge, but this four wheeled trolley is as much use as a shopping trolley with three decent wheels to push around a shopping centre. This contraption is not fit for a kid's play park area, never mind driving on the road??

8th Jan 2011, 16:34

My mum bought one of these Rover City Sprite's (04 plate 27k) in mid December without asking me first. It's only been on the road 4 days, and been at the garage ever since! It stalls when cold, and won't start again for hours. Warranty dealers cannot find fault. Just because it's cheap, don't buy one, it's not worth the risk!

14th Jan 2011, 13:19

Just got a 04 City Style. Smashing little car to drive, plenty of room, all bits work OK except driver's window winder. It's 7 years old, so odd niggles to sort out, but you can have niggles with any car

Kev.

3rd Feb 2011, 12:07

Hi there,

I'm having a problem with my CityRover and its loss of power! I can drive it for about 15 miles perfectly fine with no problems, but then it starts to cough and splutter almost like it's running out of fuel even though there's plenty of fuel in the tank! Also, it won't rev over 3500 RPM, almost like it's in a limp mode.

If anyone has any help or any ideas that might be causing this problem I'll be very grateful for your responses.

Thanks for reading.

15th Mar 2011, 08:46

I have a CityRover Solo.

Nice looking car, but expensive to keep on the road. It is an 04 plate and done 21000.

I've had a few problems with it, the latest being the gear box jamming in 1st and 2nd gear and like everyone else it judders on starting to move even if it's warmed up. The petrol tank only displays 3/4 when it is full.

It's a car I regret buying. I am waiting to get rid of it.

6th Dec 2011, 13:07

You seem to be one of the few people who like the CityRover. I bought one last February, and frankly I love it. With winter about to hit us, I was wondering if you could tell me how it copes with icy roads?

6th Dec 2011, 13:17

I've had my Sprite since February, and other than what you'd expect from a 2nd hand car, I love it. The steering is really light, which is great for me, as I have severe back problems. With this in mind, can anyone tell me how the Sprite handles in the ice and snow that we've been told to expect in the next few weeks?

10th Dec 2011, 13:41

Well I just bought a CityRover a week ago. Well my note about ice and snow is that it's not too bad. What you have to watch out for is your steering being light already.. as standard.. and a lot lighter in ice and snow. Just watch out for over powering the accelerator, and over and under steer. Slow is the key. Apart from that, it shouldn't be that bad.

As for the rest who are complaining about their CityRover, that the gears are not working, engine cutting off and so on, well the manual states not to over rev your car at more than 3000rpm, and not to hold on to your gear stick while it's in gear unless you're changing gears.

As for leaks as such, well I guess you're driving it hard!! Remember, it's a CityRover, not a Golf GTI...

1st Jan 2012, 12:48

I bought a City Rover 2004 only a few days ago. I've read some really worrying comments on this website, but as with buying any second hand car - that's the risk you take!!

I have to say I love it, and 'touch wood' have had no problems whatsoever with this little car. It has 35,000 miles on the clock, starts first time, is deceptively spacious inside, & drives wonderfully!

Can be a little jittery in first gear - but I'm putting that down to me not yet being used to the clutch!

Don't be put off by bad comments - some of you lot may have just been unfortunate.

Sue x.