Rover 200 Hatchback 214 Si 3d (1994/M) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Bought my Rover 214si used, it had only done 51,000 miles in 10 years! Proves there are some very tidy low mileage examples out there, so be fussy.
Costs
The insurance group is pretty high for a 1.4 and it does drink a fair bit of petrol, especially if your a little lead footed! Parts are easy to source, but new parts can be expensive so try out 2nd hand or re-furbished parts!
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On the road
Driving
Around town or on the motorway this car is very good. Handling is a bit soft and the car does roll a lot in corners, but I fitted stiffer suspension to it which eased the problem, but sacrificed the comfort!
Performance
The 1.4 unit in these cars are very quick which is surprising, as many people think these are slow old men's cars. They are very lively and rev-happy units. If you do decide to have a 1.4 engine 200 go for the M.P.I (multi point injection) not the S.P.I.
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Living with it
Reliability
Starts first time now i got a new battery. The head gasket blew which is common on the K-Series engine and also make sure the radiator is in good condition as this could blow the head gasket. FSH is essential.
Image
Getting dated now with many people thinking of it as a old mans car. I lowered mine and put alloys on it and put on a 220 GTi spoiler which, in my opinion, made the car look a lot better.
Comfort
The seats are cloth in mine but they are really comfortable. Even the bench back seats are comfortable. At high revs the engine can be intrusive, but it has never really been a problem for me.
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Security and Service
Security
Mine came with the alarm and immobiliser, with remote locking, built into the M.E.M.S ecu. I added a cat 1 Clifford alarm though as alarm wasn't that great.
Service
When i needed bushes for the suspension they had them all in stock and were very helpful. Not many Rover garages about now so cant really rate this bit.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Engine is very good. Head gasket and clutch went at 60,000 which is normal in most cars.
Other
Filling it with petrol can be awkward as it has a weird filler neck into the tank. You have to hold it so its just inside the filler neck.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes