Rover 200 Hatchback 214 SEi 5d (1999/T) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
You can pick one up for very little now. Better buy than a Clio/Punto/Saxo/106 and just as cheap.
Costs
The car is cheap to buy, insure and tax (1.4l) but horifically expensive to keep repairing. Headgaskets go as soon as there is a coolant leak. Warranty has stumped up £2k for repairs, pistons, liners, headgasket and inlet man gasket.
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On the road
Driving
Good, very good!
Performance
Still the fastest 1.4 on the road, 105 bhp 0-60 in 10 seconds.
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Living with it
Reliability
Apart from one coolant leak the car has been sound. Car was delivered with faulty cylinder lining and valve guide. 25000 miles later and no probs. Steering, gearbox, clutch, all withstanding heavy punishment.
Image
The only small, cheap car with an image that doesn't say teenage girl. Alloys make a huge improvement too. Shame bump strips aren't body-coloured or car was more retro.
Comfort
No height adjustment on drivers seat. Why oh why is there no room in the back? The car is huge!
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Security and Service
Security
Terrible! It takes minutes to break in as there are no deadlocks. Standard alarm knocked 10% off my insurance though.
Service
Sometimes very helpful. Willing to cut cost of service by up to £150 if you have the bottle to ask.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Pistons, liners, headgasket and inlet man gasket.
Other
none
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes