Rover 200 Saloon 216 SE 4d (1986/C) Owner Review
-
Economy
Value
Nicely presented and finished car and reasonably priced. Undervalued against contemporary competition.
Costs
Expect 35mpg. Parts are reasonable with loads of pattern parts available. Plently to choose from in the scrappies. Insurance can be silly, but shop around.
-
On the road
Driving
Quite sprightly and communicative. FWD can scrabble for grip sometimes and will understeer if pushed. Overall, not unpleasant.
Performance
Won't win many drag races, but is a competent small family saloon. I've had 6 people in it and it has still been a responsive drive on the motorway.
-
Living with it
Reliability
No real problems at all - always starts and runs well. Engine is smooth and sweet.
Image
Dull. Victor Meldrew drove the Honda equivalent. Need I say more?
Comfort
Comfy seats and airy cabin (for the size of the car), but being an early car, there's not much to play with. Later models got centre console and electic toys...
-
Security and Service
Security
You want it? Take it! Locks may as well not be there and the steering lock is made from plasticine. Fortunately, not many thieves are likely to pince one now, but it's worth getting a steering wheel lock and keeping personal belongings out of sight.
Service
Austin-Rover dealers (NOT the new Rover dealers) pretty unhelpful really. Good parts availability from other sources, though. Easy DIY proposition.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Ex-reps car, so engine was tired at 90,000 miles, but a £250 rebuild breathed new life into the old girl. No problems since.
Other
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