1997 Rover - Austin 200 1.4 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great looker and performer, but look out for depreciation

Faults:

A number of rattles and creaks developed within the first year, but these are trivial and have not got worse since. Electric front windows seem to let air noise in too at high speeds.

General Comments:

The 1.4 16v engine is a real performer, doing 0-60mph in just under 10 seconds, and yet this car fits into a really low insurance class. The 3 door model has better styling than the 5 door (in my opinion). Plenty of boot space, but not much real passenger room. Frightening depreciation from new - suggest buying on the continent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2000

1997 Rover - Austin 200 220SDi 2.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Great car; very quick for a diesel, with lots of mid-range torque, and pulls well in fifth up to 110+. And all while giving 51mpg. It's done 44,000 miles so far and it still doesn't squeak or rattle (even though I occasionally use it to haul concrete blocks, bags of sand and cement!) The only downsides are limited headroom in the back, it's noisy, even for a diesel, and dealer servicing isn't cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 1999

10th Dec 2000, 14:35

Highly underestimated great car.

20th Jan 2006, 17:01

Fantastic car - the best fun I've had in driving since I sold my last sports car nearly 20 years ago. This must be as close to 'hot hatch' as you can get with a diesel engine!

104,000 miles now - still pulls like a steam train on 'speed' AND returns over 50 mpg.

Only one thing worries me slightly - she's getting on for ten years old, what on earth can I replace her with?

12th Nov 2006, 04:23

My 220SDi has done 108,000 mile now. Great mpg still. Always starts.But, the tank has gone round the seams and it is now off the road until I can afford to get another one fitted. It went a few days ago whilst sat on a friends posh new driveway.AARRGGh.I have also had trouble with the remote, needed to get another one a few weeks ago. Clock does not work, so neither will the radio. Anyone want to, buy a Rover!!!

28th Sep 2009, 11:52

I agree it's a fantastic car, and made to a better standard than most small cars. The clock will certainly fail, as will the heater resistors (losing speed 1 and 2).

1997 Rover - Austin 200 Tomcat (216) 1.6 Turbo from UK and Ireland

Faults:

A head gasket has been replaced and water has leaked causing damage to electrics, all repaired now.

General Comments:

Excellent car, I can only recomend one to everyone!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 1999

1997 Rover - Austin 200 214 1.4 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Needed new tappits after 800 miles (covered on warranty).

Generic fault with high tail light (not covered by extra warranty) £25 + vat.

Needed new tyre after 23,000K.

Generic fault on driver airbag (covered by warranty).

Front brake pads require replacing after 12,000 miles.

General Comments:

Despite this car going to the dealer every 2 months from new, the car has not had any major problems other than the tappits to keep it off the road.

With good performance, comfort and great handling I am pleased.

I will buy another 200, maybe a VI or BRM.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 1998

1997 Rover - Austin 200 DS 2.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Passenger door lock failed. New one ordered and fitted under warranty. Bad knocking sound from the steering when accelerating in a bumpy left hand bend.

Steering column squeaks like hell and the garage say they can't hear the squeak. I suggest they spend a full day in the car doing 500 miles in a day then they would hear the bloody squeak.

General Comments:

This car came with alloys...GREAT....but why did they not put central locking on this car. Sorry Rover but in this day and age central locking should be standard on a car in this price bracket. I would buy another one but only with central locking as the key locks are naff.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd September, 1998

1997 Rover - Austin 200 218is 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Warped front discs from new.

Broken Gear Knob from new.

Front speakers were loose when delivered.

Exhaust manifold broke away from engine (one of the bolts snapped).

General Comments:

Great performance and looks. Comfortable for long journeys (I've clocked up 27k in 6.5 months).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 1998

1997 Rover - Austin 200 Sport 1.4 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nothing so far!

General Comments:

Well built car, stylish design. The K series engine deserves praise with wonderful smooth acceleration. Excellent handling and road holding........Why couldn't I afford the 200vi??

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 1998

1997 Rover - Austin 200 214 is 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

The car was delivered with paint cracked on back bumper. Rattling drivers door. Dealer finally fixed bumper and put a CD player in the car because I was going to give the car back. When the CD player was put in all the electrics went crazy. Finally fixed by dealer. Front fog lamps then didn't work.

General Comments:

Overall I'm pleased with the Rover 200 (even after making 10 trips to the dealer since buying the car - only 3 months ago!). It's the third Rover I've had. The dealer I bought it from is totally useless and only cares about taking your money. I've now gone to another dealer and have had no troubles since. If after 2 years, the car has been reliable, I'll buy another Rover, if not, it's an Audi A3 for me!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 1998