Rover 200 Hatchback 214i 8V 3d (1996/P) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Steep depreciation, but partly due to market conditions.
Costs
Fuel consumption is poor. Rover parts and labour very expensive, but aftermarket parts very easily available and cheap. Easy to work on for DIY. Rover wanted £176 to fit recon starter motor - alterntively available for £40 + 5 mins work.
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On the road
Driving
Good visibility. Slightly firm ride. Very light steering is excellent in town, but coupled with the low gear ratios (3,500rpm for 70mph) it's not very relaxing for long motorway drives.
Performance
Not bad for a 1.4, but slow compared with 16v.
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Living with it
Reliability
Probably just bad luck, but I'm getting to know the local AA pretty well! Mostly due to unexplainable fluid loss and brakes binding.
Image
My grandad likes it. 'Nuff said...
Comfort
Comfortable enough with good ventilation. Seats are hard on the back during a long drive. Offset pedals not good for knees.
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Security and Service
Security
When broken into, the theives couldn't get in through boot, doors, or by opening windows. They had to take away the whole centre console and half the dashboard to nick the stereo.
Service
Excellent service, but expensive and no courtesy car. £350 for a 60k service and I still had to push-start it away from the garage! (see 'Costs' - starter motor example).
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
4 starter motors since I bought car 4 years ago. 3 complete exhausts since new. Cooling system weak. Head gasket blown. Untraceable coolant loss. Radiator corroded quickly. Head gasket problems common and tend to recur.
Other
Rear brake / tail bulbs blow regularly. Electrical earthing problems. Brakes need servicing more than recommended 12,000 mile service interval - I do mine every 6,000 to avoid binding.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No