1991 Rover - Austin 400 416GSi review from UK and Ireland

Water pump at 126,000 miles, which weakened the head gasket causing it to blow at 176,000 miles, after what the garage said was a tiny hole that gradually increased in size until it caused a problem.

Both Out CV joints have gone, both around 150,000 miles.

The rear suspension bushes required replacement at 165,000 miles.

Overall a very capable yet very underrated car. The 1.6 liter Honda Engine is very reliable, always starts on the turn of the key, and incredibly powerful at higher revs for its size.

The automatic gearbox is very response, and the kick down feature works wonders for overtaking. It does, however, jolt at times when changing up at around 3,000 revs, but this has yet to cause a problem.

This car has done a remarkable mileage, and with this considered very little has gone wrong with it. The engine still goes like it was built yesterday, burns absolutely no oil, and sounds beautiful at higher revs, if a little like a diesel when it idles.

This car, is however, a Honda beneath the skin, and is remarkably similar to the Concerto, meaning the interior is a little boring and Japanese, the original stereo and speakers are completely hopeless to listen to anything however the lower lumbar support seats and the racing steering wheel in this model do make up for the faults mentioned.

This car has the single camshaft engine, which is good. However I am told that the twin-cam version fitted to the G-T-i is more free revving, and more fun as it is lifted straight from the Honda C-R-X which is more of a hot hatch than family saloon. I would like a 420 G-S-i Turbo however these are nowhere near as reliable as the 416 since the engine is made by Rover, so the head gaskets can go like clockwork.

Overall a great car, and now they can be bought for a real bargain, I would recommend one to anyone, even high milers, but service history is essential if this is the case.