Faults:

Head gasket leaking at 111,000.

CV joints knocking at 111,000.

Gearbox ticking at 111,000.

Rain leaks at 111,000.

Sump gasket leaking at 119,000.

The gearbox has a nice ticking noise which matches the engine when it's cold.

General Comments:

I must say the car handles extremely well for a 5 door hatch and a Rover to boot.

I bought the car knowing some of its high milage problems, but have enjoyed the ownership.

Like other comments about the 200, my car likes to leak rain water in wherever it can see a gap. Boot, front door seals, front windscreen and the top of the hatch onto the backseat.

I believe the gearbox noise is common on the GTI DOHC, but with the window down and the stereo up, I can't hear it!

Excellent MPG for a GT, 32-38.

The gearbox is an absolute delight. Apart from the ticking which makes the car noisy above 55mph. Still not bad for a grand.

Although registered in FEB 1991, the local Rover dealer stated the car was manufactured in Sept 89. Looks like Black 5 door GTI'S were not too popular.

Faults:

First gear difficult to engage from new, but after 10,000 miles the problem disapeared.

Rain seeps into the boot and passenger side foot well at 40,000 miles.

Head gasket blew at 42,000 miles.

Cam belt changed at 42,000 miles.

Cam belt snapped at 58,000 miles, needed a complete engine rebuild. New valves, re grind, re bore etc.

Head gasket blew at 78,000 miles. Also replaced the water pump and radiator.

Rear antiroll bushes replaced at 108,000 miles, but keep falling out over bumpy roads. Any suggestions?

General Comments:

I enjoy driving this car. It's quick, but only if you thrash it up to 6500 revs.

Faults:

Very little has gone wrong with the car since I have owned it.

I needed a new CV gaiter at 80,000.

General Comments:

This car goes like rocket, and it handles quite well.

The insurance group for this car is 14 which means that a 21 year old with 2 years no claims bonus will have to pay roughly £1400 per year for comprehensive insurance.

Mine has a Honda double overhead cam engine which makes it very reliable and very free revving.

Faults:

Battery failed.

Non-starting due to me not bothering to check the rotor arm when servicing. Oops.

Both exterior door handles have snapped.

Engine sounds tappety.

Rear suspension bushes are going bad.

General Comments:

Makes me drive too fast. Can't help myself from revving to 7200rpm all the time.

Economy 32-36mpg.

Handling excellent.

Can almost change gear by breathing on it, it's so light.

Good seats, lots of toys for a GTI type.

Faults:

Serious engine problems - required an expensive rebuild.

Water pump went.

Clutch cable went.

Currently some intermittent ECU gremlins.

Plenty of wear and tear items replaced.

General Comments:

Desperately dull. The automotive equivalent of eating flour. But it gets me around until finances allow something decent.

Bought it second hand because of the K-series engine really, although that burned oil soon after purchase. It goes quite well for a 1.4 though and in theory offers a nice balance between economy and performance. Handles OK.

Fairly generous kit for the money on my SLi (PAS, electric bits). A few reliability headaches, but it always starts first time to be grudgingly fair and hasn't properly broken down; touch wood (or dreadful fake walnut dash).

Faults:

Just had a new water pump and timing belt at 100,000 miles.

Front brake pads needed replacing in Jan 2000 and Jan 2001 (That's probably my high mileage though!!)

General Comments:

Absolutely fantastic! - much more comfortable and more gadgets etc than most cars of this age (J-Reg) - a lot bigger than you'd expect from looking at it, and very easy to drive.