1996 Rover - Austin 400 420si review from UK and Ireland

Alternator bearings worn and also slip rings not a real problem cost app £80 to fix. Upon purchasing the car discovered the batteries were flat on key-fob that controls remote central locking. Turns out that if battery does go flat on these and is not replaced it decodes the fob which entails buying a new one and having it encoded to the car. this costs £120 so beware. In my case the dealer paid for it. Occasionally the radio and clock display digits "break up" can't figure out why.

This is the first Rover I've owned and wasnt really looking for one when I went buying. Must admit have been pleasantly surprised.

Performance is good and engine revs well will cruise all day at 70mph.Acceleration is fine and the 2.0 engine has plenty of power to get you out of any problems. As it's a Rover people just see the badge and are somewhat shocked (especially the baseball cap fraternity) when it out accelerates them at traffic lights.

Cabin interior is nice and comfortable although room in the back is a bit restricted.

Fuel economy isn't bad for a 2 litre engine although round town it returns sub 30 mpg. On long runs though you can with careful driving get 40mpg.