1998 Rover - Austin 200 vi review from UK and Ireland
"Brilliant little package"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The electric sunroof was jammed when I got the car, some gentle persuasion and a tub of grease fixed it though and now it's fine.
General comments?
I was lucky enough to find a mint example with only 30,000 miles and a full service history that my dad would be proud of.
I have been looking for a 200 vi for months and tested several that had underlying problems, such as irregular idle speed blown head gaskets and one which cut out at 5000 rpm.
My vi is as perfect as a five year old car can be. It's seriously quick in 1st and 2nd gear, totally annihilating a 320 BMW on my first proper run out in the car.
It's also relatively comfortable for a small hot hatch, not too hard on the bum even with the uprated vi springs.
I can't think of any other car for less than £4000 to match the 200 vi, it's a brilliant little package.
The best thing about it though has to be that boy racers have never heard of them, they just look like an ordinary rover 214, so I'm hoping it doesn't get nicked.
Be warned, you may have to shop around for a cherished example.
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| Sporty fun high performance bargain |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 vvc Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 31070 miles |
| Most recent distance | 31326 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 3rd November, 2003 |