Rover 400 Saloon (1996 - 2000) 420 GSDi 4d (1999/T) Owner Review
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
old fashioned!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
think it's been a great buy. stylish, practical, reliable, comfortable.
Would you buy this car again and why?
yes. bought it at 44k, and now on 147k, so that's 103k miles in just under 5 years. 48mpg average. 50 if you're sensible, 45 even when driven keenly. nothing major has gone wrong, just consumables.
What are you likely to buy next?
range rover or discovery 1. I just like wood and leather, and noone does it better on a budget than the brits!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,000
When did you buy the car?
November 2003
Did you get a good deal and why?
no. my dad opened his mouth at the wrong moment scuppering my planned negotiations!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
cheap fast comfortable spacious diesel
What was the dealer like?
fine
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Goes like the clappers, plenty of torque for overtaking. 45-75 in 4th, and 55-85 in 5th particularly impressive. handling is fine. doesn't change directions as quick as my 97 rover 200 did, but it's a bigger car with a diesel lump. a smooth style develops.
What's it like to park?
not too bad. easier to park on the mirrors, not looking through back screen.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
failed jubilee clip dropped coolant out - still got home. aircon has stopped working (compressor not spinning, electrics or compressor)- cope without. does stall 30secs after turning on occasionally (once a yearish)- live with it.
What's most practical about your car?
huge boot (486 litres i think). 3 people plus kit to the alps climbing for 3 weeks, no problem.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
6 disc multichanger
