Head gasket recently went, bit of a bummer as I had only just bought the car - an independant garage fixed it but didn't tighten up the radiator hoses very well so had some coolant leaks - as a result check the levels very frequently because I don't trust it. When it comes down to it, just the head gasket.
Great little car - where else can you get a nippy, economical, not bad looking, practical, and also quite fun car for 3 grand??
Okay, not the last word in comfort or looks, but I get about 38-40mpg when driving in town, and it has a 0-60 that will put some much bigger cars to shame (BMW 318, Cavalier 1.8) at just over 10 secs.
Loaded down with kit too - pick of the range would be the SEi with alloys and leather seats!
The car's now done 52000, and there've been more problems.
Dodgy independent garage "serviced" it for me and claimed thje brake calipers "just snapped off" - a likely story.
Had to get the engine mounts replaced as they were shot - was charged big bucks by a Rover dealer, but I had to take it to 3 before one of them worked out the problem.
Had to get a *complete* new exhaust system (front, middle and back box)
Most recently, I have a bad feeling about the clutch - has always been very notchy, and seems to slip occasionally.
The gearbox is whining in neutral with the clutch up, and also at speed in relation to road speed - transfer gears?
Combined with a cambelt change, service, and new tax coming up I am getting itchy feet...
I think I may be unlucky in getting a Friday afternoon car, maybe it was the old fart who owned it before me. Find a good example and you're laughing, especially if you have a good local specialist...
Hmmm... I have a 214 SLi, and its abit juddery (technical term??), I think its either the engine mounts or the clutch. Had a 414 SI before I killed it with a bush, and the clutch was slipping on that too, I had heard that from others too. Electric windows have broken too, the clips have come unglued from the window, and I can't find a suitable glue/filler to fix it with, conveniently rover don't sell that.. you have to have a whole new window and mechanism. Pretty good performance though, but she's got to go soon. I also had a problem with the engine management, it sometimes decided to idle at 2K, and also ran abit strange, but still the problem isn't completely solved. Its got to go soon, coming up to 60K, and I have a funny feeling about some big bills soon. Want a 220 GSi really, can't put a roofrack on a 3 door really though (Worry not, I am carrying windsurfing boards, not ladders!!). Apart from that it goes really well for a 1.4, and no really serious problems yet.
Got a 214 SLI around 4 weeks ago so far it's been great, apart from the radiator chucked it's hand in, and the fan belt slips from time to time, not major problems. Great car to drive goes like the clappers for a 1.4 but then it is a 16v. Handling is a bit unpredictable though, steering a bit vague. So far its been a good car.
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I have owned two 1995 214 SLis, and would consider buying one again in the future.
If, like me, you take time to look for a late (1995/96) 'Honda Concerto' shape SLi (try and go for one with the chrome grill), there are some real bargains to be had; My 1995 N had just one previous owner and 24000 miles on the clock when I bought it last year. It cost just £2600.00 from an independent dealer, with a full dealer service history.
I agree with the comments about performance and style - basically the 214 has the looks, feel, and performance of most 1.6L (and some 1.8L) cars, at least up to about 70mph.
In addition, the K-series engine has quite a nice 'rorty' sound above 3000 revs, but sounds like a diesel engine when ticking over from cold.
Despite the firm suspension, body roll and slightly numbing power steering means it takes some experience to corner the car at higher speeds with confidence.
The interior is a bit dated now, but the doors have a nice satisfying clunk when you close them, especially compared to my 1992 Toyota.
As for reliability both my 214s had similar problems between 30K-50K miles; notchy selection of reverse gear, exhaust rattles and rust, alternator giving up, and slightly weepy head-gasket.
Many of the used 214s I've looked at have had head-gasket problems, often caused by a faulty thermostat causing the engine to have overheated, typically around 50K+ miles.
I recently bought a 1993 (L) 214 SLi as a run around, it has 106k on the clock I have had it for a week now and find it a real fun car. There are a few problems to deal with, but hey what can you expect for £295. The body seems in very good condition, the interior is a bit tired, but the front seats are undamaged and reasonably comfortable. Like I said the car runs well and I am surprised at the strength of the engine on hills.
My biggest area of worry is the engine (has started first time every time so far) but there are small oil leaks, the power steering squeals when turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary (any ideas). I think that most of the oil is actually coming from the somewhere on the power steer. The previous owner had the head casket replaced by someone, who neglected to refit the cam belt cover, so there is some work to do there asap. Although the good point about the exposed cam belt is I was at least able to assess its condition.
As a youngster I spent many happy hours working on my Ford Anglia (105E) and am looking forward to doing a few jobs on the latest edition (time permitting).
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