1998 Rover - Austin 400 LX review from UK and Ireland
"Rover should recall all Rover 400s and replace the head gaskets free"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gasket blew at 92,000 miles, car is ex fleet, 3 years old and has been well serviced. This was caused probably by the water pump seal "popping" (a common problem) or a thermostat type device inside the engine. Normal practice apparently is to replace both plus the head gasket and manifold gasket. This cost in excess of £550.
One week previously I had the car serviced and new front brakes which cost £350.
The rear light bulbs need replacing every 2-3 months. Why?
The cam belt needs replacing every 50000 miles.
The passenger door opening mechanism occasionally loses the ability to open the lock. This is due to the internal arm popping out of the little plastic hole.
When having trouble with the head gasket / water pump the heater failed to work, the air conditioning has never recovered following the major repair and the electric windows judder down.
General comments?
I wrote to Mr John Towers, Chairman of MG Rover complaining about the in built design problem of the head gasket (it's a series of thin rubber rings on an alloy plate) This gasket blows every-time the engine slightly overheats.
He wrote back personally and said he would investigate. After 3 months without hearing I wrote back asking for his report. I got a reply from Customer (dis) Service who couldn't give a toss.
I even sent the Chairman my old head gasket to assist his investigations. What a waste of time.
Don't buy a Rover 400 with the K series engine unless you like spending lots of money to repair it.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 72000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 96000 miles |
| Previous car | Peugeot 306 |
| Date of Entry | 30th December, 2002 |