1997 Rover - Austin 200 Vi from UK and Ireland - Comments

Bought 2nd hand from a Rover dealer with 18k on the clock.

Numerous minor faults discovered in first month. All put right except for rattling sound from underneath car @2500rpm. "They all do that sir...".

Still rattling to this day, turns out to be a broken flexi-pipe in front of the catalytic converter. Not serious, just annoying.

A wolf in sheep's clothing. Yes it has 15" alloys and front foglamps, but to people who ride around in lowered Nova GSi's, it just looks like a 214Si....... until they try and overtake!!

138mph seen on a trip to Germany, many other hot hatches upstaged etc, etc. Handling very sharp and tail very driftable, grip much better after fitting Pirelli P6000's. Rock steady on A-roads. Leather, ABS, 2 Airbags, electric everything..... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

(stereo only average...)

Nicely put! I hear the VI's and BRM's are very quick. Nice to see someone put a review up about it! I've got the 1.1 version which I got about 17 months ago when I was 17 (see my review) and am thinking about getting the 1.6 one now as I can just about get insurance!

I've put a very, very big I.C.E (In Car Entertainment) system, which gets some looks. The road holding etc is superb! The new MG ZR's coming out soon and that looks like some fun!

I also have a 200vi, it's the nads! I've had it about a month now and just fitted some 17" TSW Edge alloys with 205/40/17 Yokohama's, NOW it's even better (should be for 700 nicker!) I'm gonna lower it and custom style it, already have nearly a 1000W ICE installed, just needs tidying up. Anybody know where to get styling for Rovers from, finding it a little difficult at the mo. Have fun, cos ROVER RULE!!! Had a Metro GTa 94 (M) before, good fun, but the Vi is deserves more money spent on it than my old Metro! Watch out in MAX POWER, you may see a ROVER 200Vi in the near future (that'll be mine then) TTFN.

My dad's got a 200 Vi, no reliability problems at all, goes like seriously quick! It leaves all the crappy Novas behind, even if my dad is a boring old bloke! If I could afford the insurance, I'd have one any day.

I got my rover 200vi 1 year ago, a lot of my mates called the Granny Chariot until I took them on the road. This car is very very fast. I had a VW Golf GTi 16v before and I thought that was quick. Group insurance 15 is a bit steep, but if you want a rare beast, well worth the money.

Wait till it breaks down, which it will!

3 head gaskets so far not to mention steering rack, various suspension parts, clutch, boot latch and more!

I just bought a 200VI one day ago and its back at the garage because it failed to start the next morning. Turns over, but no fire! Any ideas?

For the short time that I've had it, I agree with all the positive comments and it too has the rattle.

Had my 200vi fro about 6 months now and I have to agree with the positive comments. My mate has a 1.8 golf GTI and was seriously not happy when he had to admit my vi is faster.

Started a few modifications, but struggling to find many styling options without going for the custom option.

Also a warning - I've had the car only 6 months and have to agree with the previous post, although I don't appear to have the rattle (at least not yet) I've already had two new head gaskets fitted (god bless that warranty).

Moto-build.com do performance parts for rover/mg only.

Just read all the comments about the 200Vi and I couldn't agree more with them, it's a superb, very underrated car available for a bargain price. The fact that it's also economical if you need it to be is a bonus. I have had one now for 7 months and it still makes me smile whenever I drive it hard, it just laps it up and comes back for more. Engine is awesome, handling like a go-cart, if you're reading this and thinking about buying one, then go out there and do it. You'll be very glad you did.

Rover 200vi - fast and fun, but eats gaskets.. great pitty!

I had one for about 14mths, about 3yrs ago, wonderfully quick, go-kart ability on corners and not bad build quality for a Rover, all be it, basic and poor finishing, but hey, it was great fun, with a 7.9 sec sprint to 60, but.. oh yes the, but.. as with any K series engine - so 1.4, 6 and 8 all have cooling weakness, eg, rubbish head gasket and not helped with small cooling capacity, they ALL break, normally every 30-40k, if you're lucky, although mine went twice in 6mths and its silly money to fix, because the VI or BRM engines are variable valve timing engines, so expensive to re-set, you won't have change from £600 to put right!!! personally, a HONDA Civic VTI is not only as quick, but better in every capacity!!

I bought my 200vi about a year ago. I have to admit they arnt without faults, but it is very good at so many things, one of which is suprising boy racers. mine has brm alloys, large throttle body, k and n filter, magnecor leads and a one off ashley exhaust. yes, it does go well. I am now selling it to buy a integra type r, but I would recomend a 200vi to anybody. I would just love to see a track prepared one.

Look guys just brought a 1997 200vi and need help I'm from NZ and was wondering if someone can get me a price on a set of rings and a piston cheap? Any ideas? I too would like to write a good comment! Cheers pls help!