Rover 200 Hatchback 216 SLi 5d (1996/N) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Considering the performance and trim level, this is a pretty decent second-hand buy, but don't pay over the odds or you'll end up with a wheelbarrow with an engine.
Costs
If driven sensibly, this car has decent economy, but rag it to the redline and the K-series engine sucks fuel
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On the road
Driving
Well, it's a Rover and not it's not too bad for a car named after a dog. Skittish handling at the limit, just like a pitbull in heat.
Performance
For a 1.6, this Grandadmobile flys! 0-60 in just under 9 seconds, the engine revs sweetly, and it's very responsive throughout. K&N induction kit makes the engine rasp like a lotus Elise
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Living with it
Reliability
Engine wise there has been no problems, but the electrics are less reliable than a batch of del-boy's steam cleaners. Doesn't work at all and the wipers only work when the cars in reverse. (Don't try reversing up the motorway, jail sentence will follow!)
Image
My cars two-tone plumb, otherwise known and pimp-purple. Decent looking car for its age, latest MG ZR based on it, so not dating much. Plenty of MG kits around.
Comfort
Seats no good for a long journey. Recent journey from Oxford to Edinburgh resulted in visit to chiropractor. Best buy your own seats, or sit on the sofa at home and get the wife to do the shopping instead.
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Security and Service
Security
Remote central locking is ok, although you have to be practically inside to unlock it. Alarm immobiliser seems to go off with the windows open, which is no bad thing. Will try and bribe friend to break into it for real scientific test.
Service
Unfortunately I haven't had service from Rover, as at the time of writing, they're broke! Oops
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Drinks oil and fuel when pushed hard, but no major problems
Other
Electrics are a waste of time, get manual windows and sunroof, then employ an assistant to them wind down etc. orks out much cheaper if a foreigner!
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