1996 Rover - Austin 200 Si 1.6i K series

Summary:

Could show a Corsa GSi a thing or two, but make sure it's sold with a warranty!

Faults:

Interior de-mister fans still run when car isn't running or even locked which flattens the battery.

Water leaks into the boot.

Water leaks into passenger foot-well.

Water did leak in Ariel, but this has now been resolved.

Manifold gasket needed replacement at 41,000 miles.

Boot lock/catch failed. This resulted in the boot flying open when driving.

Water leak in the boot causes the rear windscreen wiper to fail - so I'm told!

Reverse gear is difficult to engage and frequently pops out of gear.

Plastic trim rattles badly.

General Comments:

A Twin Camshaft 16 valve engine makes this car enjoyably quick.

However Rover just haven't prioritised the build quality of these cars. It really isn't good enough. No wonder the 25 was offered to potential buyers with a three year warranty - you'll need it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2002

1996 Rover - Austin 200 214Si 1.4

Summary:

Good, underestimated small car

Faults:

Water level started dropping at about 55,000 miles - replacement gasket needed.

Driver's seat starting to squeak a bit (must lose some weight).

Nothing else, this car has been totally reliable so far.

General Comments:

I drove a Peugeot 206 1.4 the other day & after all the media hype was expecting something special, but overall I prefer the Rover (better engine, styling). Maybe the Peugeot had slightly better steering feel but I think Rover 25 is improved in this area.

Overall this car is fun to drive & cheap to run. Rover just need to keep working at the quality control & dealer service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st August, 2000

1996 Rover - Austin 200 Si 1.4 16v

Summary:

An ideal first car

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Very quick at first until you get used to it, handles very well originally, but with 7.5"x16" wheels on it sticks forever, but the ride is a little harsher (hence comfort = 7). Still saving hard for another, yes you guessed it a 200vi.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2000

1996 Rover - Austin 200 Si 1.4

Summary:

Top Gear

Faults:

The clutch and the clutch cable have gone! There was also an electrical problem which meant that all the light bulbs kept blowing. The blower motor has also had to be replaced but luckily while under warranty.

General Comments:

I love my car! It drives superb and is quite nippy. It's great on long journeys but maybe not for any passengers in the back because space is tight. All in all I'd advise anyone interested in the Rover 200 to try a test drive. They really surprise you with their speed and glide-ability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2000

1996 Rover - Austin 200 220 Coupe 2.0 16v petrol

Faults:

I've had it for 3 weeks, and so far:

1) Electric window and mirror operation is temperamental.

2) I get constant brake judder and have replaced discs and pads TWICE, and the suspension bushes as well with poly ones.

3) The oil is going somewhere very quickly, but I can't see where!

General Comments:

It's slow for a 2ltr 16v, it has an extremely low ratio 5th gear, I struggle to get it past 130mph without it redlining (on a private track of course!) but 100-130 is quicker than most people's, it handles like a boat, and the standard 7 spoke wheels are horrible. I'm getting rid of them, and then will look at the Mynheer bodykit and some nitrous as soon as I get the oil problem sorted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th July, 1999

11th Apr 2001, 12:55

No wonder all the oil is going! red line in 5th.

25th Oct 2001, 08:33

The car won't go faster than 127mph, that's why you can't get 130mph out of it!!

I had brake judder on mine, but when I changed the front disks for new ones from Rover, it all went away...

26th Nov 2001, 10:07

You haven't mentioned your previous car, but it must have been frigging quick for a 2.0 16v to feel 'slow'. They would outpace pretty much any other 2.0 on the road.

28th Oct 2002, 09:43

"They would outpace pretty much any other 2.0 on the road"

Ever heard of a nissan 200sx :P.

30th Jul 2007, 03:37

What a review. A little note, if you want anyone to take what you say seriously, I wouldn't mention 'Mynheer' again.

130MPH in a car with 130 BHP? You should be lucky. Speedos overead like a bugger once they hit around 100MPH so I very much doubt you were even doing that.

As for the oil problem, you'll find it'll be your head weeping from the head gasket, common fault with the T Series, have it replaced with a Klinger gasket and you are laughing.