1994 Rover - Austin 200 214 SLi review from UK and Ireland

Distributor cap went only 5000 miles out of a major service (55,000 miles) destroying the cat (major backfire!).

Second cat went after a further 8000 miles (poor build quality) along with front pipe (expensive!!).

Alternator went at around 75,000, although this was due to powering an amp.

Rear lights have a tendency to go.

Downsides:

Paintwork is very thin, prone to scratching.

Brakes are on the dangerous side though can be easily upgraded for the same price as O.E.

Some dealer parts can be expensive: though not much seems to go wrong, if cared for.

Likes drinking fuel if pushed.

Engine on the harsh side at the top end.

Bad stereo.

Upsides:

Cheap to buy and generally cheap to run.

Performance from a 1.4 is good though low down torque is non-existent. To get the most from this engine it has to be above 4000rpm.

Equipment level is very good. I recommend the GTi/SEi interior.

Run on a Koni suspension set up, 15" alloys running 195/50/15 rubber for serious go-kart handling!!