1994 Rover - Austin 200 216 SLi from UK and Ireland - Comments

Front brake calipers seized up around 55,000 miles, cost approx £300.

Head gasket blew around 68,000 miles, cost approx £475.

Otherwise zero major problems, still original clutch, gearbox, radiator, engine etc. Just serviceable items have been replaced, i.e. brake pads & tyres.

Burns about a litre of oil every 1,000 miles.

Rust started appearing on r/h front wheel arch.

I've had the car 7 and a half years and it was 4 years old when I bought it. Mileage now is 128,000 so I've done 94,000 in that time.

Car is very reliable, always starts first time.

Car handles fine, engine has enough power for overtaking.

It's comfy and has a good driving position.

I'll shortly be upgrading to hopefully my first ever brand new car, probably a Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 diesel. I've been very pleased with the 216, it's given me excellent service since '98!

You may want to look at the new Kia Rio CRDi as well-I drove one at the weekend and was very impressed-they get a better write up than the Colt in the motor press, are 2k cheaper, the same size, nearly as quick and more economical!

Thanks for that about the Rio, I had heard the diesel was the same price as the petrol engine.

I'll try and check it out.

Cheers.

The rover of 1994 with the honda engine has to be the best rover ever to be made - honda engine which has never been a problem to me, electric windows - never a problem, electric sunroof - perfect, power sterring is effortless, etc etc,,,,,, changing gear at 5000 rpm the honda engine loves. I always beat other cars which try and race me.

You may want to look at the mg zs 180 of 2001 - 2005.

Your new rio may not even have elecric windows.

Why would this guy want to look at an MG ZS 180 when he's looking at small brand new diesels?

The New Rio has front and rear electric windows by the way!

Because the the zs 180 can still do 29 mpg!!! not bad for a v6!! my freind has one, the power is unbeliveable. You feel comfortable taking off in first at 5500 rpm. The rio diesel may do 50mpg, but you only live once. The zs 180 is much more value for money.