1999 Rover - Austin 200 sli 1.6 16v

Faults:

Problems with passenger side rear wheel bearings, the car had been in a accident previously so it wasn't a manufactures error, Other than that nothing what so ever.

General Comments:

Wow what a great car, I bought my Rover 200sli crash damaged and was somewhat apprehensive about it being a automatic 5-door, as I'm only 18 I would have preferred something a little more sporty, but I couldn't help falling in love with the little Rover.

I was extremely surprised at the power of this tame looking automatic as I can get the wheels to spin right up into the 3rd gear!!!

I bought a full system exhaust including De-cat for it, but it sounded like a wet fart so I bought a k&n induction kit which really did make it roar! Because of this I have come to the conclusion that this car really is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

The interior is in a creamy color and is quite difficult to keep clean, footprints and grubby finger marks stand out like a sore thumb so buy a decent foam cleaner if your car has this interior.

The standard rover sound system is left to be desired, but can be easily rectified by purchasing a new head unit (CD-player) as most head units come with small amps inside them they make the set up a whole lot more bearable.

All in all this is the best car I've owned and I plan too keep it a long time! Well done Rover nice one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2004

1999 Rover - Austin 200 BRM LE 1.8 VVC

Summary:

If you after a small hatch, with only 750 made, you'd be daft not to try it

Faults:

Starting problem - rectified with larger battery.

Garage had fitted a small battery to my car and taken out the proper one.

Car pulling to one side - Garage had failed to check the proper wheel alignment of the car.

General Comments:

If I was to buy another car, this would be it.

The interior is well placed with a clear view of everything, and the love it or loath it red leather interior rounds the car of superbly. One thing I feel the car lacks is air conditioning and a decent stereo, but after you get past this the fun really starts.

Drive it round town steadily, and you'll get just as good mpg as you would do with any other car. Although be prepared for people turning round to have a look when you drive past.

Drive it like it's supposed to be driven and you will fly. Acceleration above 4000 revs feels like your going into hyperspace. The car has 147 bhp and hits 0-60 in 7 1/2 seconds.

Although it does chicken out of some crazy bends especially in the wet.

The ride can be sluggish with a full car, but that's what you get for traveling on holiday in it! Although you still get excellent mpg motorway driving with a full load.

I've tweaked mine a bit and am pleased to say the handling has improved, and the minor performance modifications have left me with a car that does 0-60 in well under 7!!!

Definitely superb value for money for families and modders out there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2004

2nd Mar 2006, 05:03

Only thing I would wish to add is that air conditioning was an extra and my 1999 BRM was one of the lucky ones with air-con so it's definately worth looking around!!

2nd Mar 2006, 21:40

Is this the car with the ugly red grille at the front, like a big fish's mouth?

1999 Rover - Austin 200 BRM LE 1.8 VVC petrol

Summary:

Seriously quick

Faults:

New front tyres due to quick wear (about 9000 miles on the front)

General Comments:

Super fast car.

Excellent interior with red leather, matching carpets and lots of aluminium instead of usual Rover wood.

Very fast from 4000rpm up to 7000rpm, easy to drive around town below 4000rpm then takes off!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2003

3rd Nov 2005, 19:56

Only 143bhp. not quick at all.

17th Oct 2006, 06:33

Just because a car only has 143bhp that doesn't mean that it can't be fast... There is more to the performance of a car then just bhp. Torque, delivery and handling all play a big part.