Rover 200 Hatchback 216 SLi 5d (1998/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Got good deal at £6,500 second hand (just under 3 years old, 45k). Would have wept if bought new at £17,000!
Costs
Good fuel economy, use local specialist for servicing.
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On the road
Driving
Ideal for city driving. View out ok, most controls in the right place. Usually surefooted handling can be tested by off-camber bends and rough surfaces. Brakes sometimes unconvincing (maybe due to optional ABS?).
Performance
Smooth, free-revving K series engine was ahead of its time - Rover learnt some tricks from Honda. Quick off the mark and well capable of ton-up speeds on m'way. Responds well to enthusiastic driving. Overtaking, hill climbing not a problem.
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Living with it
Reliability
Starts first time, every time, but have suffered from classic head gasket problem (£650) and other niggles.
Image
Won't tempt Audi A3 drivers, but wearing pretty well for a 10 year old design. Definitely benefits from silver paint and alloys - base models appear popular with older folk.
Comfort
My car has optional air con so relatively luxurious. Seats pretty comfortable, if not pretty. Stereo ok but needs to be turned up loud to drown out buzzing motor. Sunroof restricts headroom for a 6 footer.
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Security and Service
Security
Alarm/ immobiliser is not tested, but suspect locks would not deter a determined thief for long.
Service
Main dealers a mixed bag, but plenty of independent specialist about and spare parts not hard to come by.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Usual head gasket problem at 55k, some roughness when very cold, occasional idle speed glitch.
Other
Leaking PAS reservoir, clock on the blink, sticking boot catch. Minor, but annoying.
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