Faults:

When I bought the car, I thought it would be a good idea to have it checked over to make sure it wasn't a death trap in disguise. The rear brakes needed replacing due to wear.

No other problems were found.

General Comments:

These cars are fantastic. I used to own a Ford Escort and thought that it was quite nippy for a 1.4 engine, but when I got into my new 214Si about 2 months ago I couldnt believe the difference in power.

I fitted a performance air filter and took it to a nearby industrial estate to test it out. The 0-60 time is 9 seconds and the top speed is 130 mph (which I found out by testing on private land and completely OFF the highway). For a 1.4 engine, the acceleration and top speed is unbelievable and rivals many higher powered cars like the 1.6 Focus.

The 214 easily outranks my friends 1.8 Estate Golf and handles like an absolute dream. A quick nip of the hand brake when turning sharply, results in a perfect 180 spin every time (which is nice if you're looking for it).

I feel the reason I like this car so much, is because it is one of the fastest 1.4's available and they arent too pricey nor is the insurance which is essential when you're 18 and onto your second car.

The interior is very tidy with electric windows and a steering wheel mounted control for the stereo. The seats are comfy and it is a pleasure to drive.

The only problem I have found with this car is that the clutch is a little high. The bite isnt apparent until the pedal is 2 inches from full-out. It takes a bit of getting used to, but isn't much of a problem anymore.

The cockpit size is good for a hatchback because, as many other people of 6 feet & 2 inches will know, comfort and space is key to enjoying any driving experience.

A couple of hours after I bought this car, I turned to my friend and said "I'm going to live off 214 Si's for the rest of life"

Faults:

Needed new battery.

Needed a new starter motor.

CV joint went.

Immobilizer wouldn't allow me to use the car.

The access code wouldn't work.

Needed wiring replaced for alarm.

Now head gasket has gone.

General Comments:

I bought the car and bought a 3 month warranty with it. Within the first week the battery needed replacing.

Within the first month, a new starter motor was replaced.

Within the second month, the CV joint went.

One morning I went to get into my car and the key fob wasn't working. I unlocked the car and set the alarm off. The access code allowed me to enter the car, but not to turn the immobilizer off. I had to call out the rover dealers themselves. £400 later, the door and wiring were fixed plus a new key fob.

Then it wouldn't start properly and I found gunk in the radiator bottle. The head gasket has gone. The mechanics said it could cost a lot if the head is cracked to, but they won't know that until the head is off. Not only that, if they fixed it, there is no guarantee that it won't happen again. The cost of that could be from £400+

The only thing going for it is...Nothing.

Faults:

No problems as such up to now, only done 10k miles in it since purchase.

The hood is in fair condition to say it is 8 years old, slight tears, nothing too major.

The seats in the front are as hard as iron!

General Comments:

It does seem suprisingly quick for a 1.6 engine believe it or not, but this is only in a straight line - cornering is different. This car handles like a shopping trolley with immense body roll and wallowing etc..

I am going to lower the car, which should improve the handling drastically, and so therefore all in all it should be quite an all round nice motor for very little money.