Rover 200 Hatchback (1995 - 2000) 200 Vi 3d (1997/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

i think ive spent £500 on a very quick first car thats good on fuel and reliable, it looks good and handles well, insurance is cheap. Its slated purely on the fact its a Rover. if it was called a ford fiesta every 17 year old would own one

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

i dont listen to what people say, they generally go on what top gear feed to them. until you own one you shouldnt open your mouth. this backed up by a friend with a ZR105 which is cool but because mine is a Rover its not. friends that have been in it cant beleive it, the speed, reliability and mgp. so they soon change their mind. seeing their face when you hit 70mph in second gear and showing them a video of doing 140mph is priceless

Would you buy this car again and why?

yes, i was looking into getting a rover 25 gti(same engine) and making it look like this: http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=327107 but the only diffence is the front end so its not really worth it

What are you likely to buy next?

looking into a mk2 golf gti, mk4 golf gt tdi 130, fiesta rs turbo, toyota hilux or toyota mr2 or a rover 2L turbo engine in my motor 200bhp!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£560

When did you buy the car?

April 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

£560 from a private seller. knocked a bit off for a new mass air flow meter

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

First car. £500 for a reliable 150bhp car. 0-60 in 7.5 and can get 43mpg.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

great, pulls well in each gear, i go into 5th @40mph and dont really need to change down from 30mph. great road handling and chassis, you can feel whats going on; if your going to oversteer or understeer (yes, in a fwd) if you want to oversteer it is easy and fun. really comfortable and the seats hug you, nice driving position. I like the clutch but it has been slated. goes like stink, proven by someone local who owns a £15,000 corsa VXR who couldnt keep up until 110mph and overteers like nothing ive ever seen in the corners. compared with a £500 rover! i average 38mpg driving 'perky' and will sit happily @ 90mph for an hour with no wheel wobble.

What's it like to park?

its not articluated so its easy! good visability and steerings not heavy. handbrakes good because it holds the car still when you park!

Have you had any problems with the car?

headgasket, as always. but i expected it to go if im honest, a 1997 k series engine with 84k on the clock. the cause was a seized thermostat. genral issues with these cars: sunroof leaks; silicone up the seal or buy a new one, wiper motor; copper blade burns out can be soldered for £5, rust on arches; new body panels are easy and cheap to find, again silicone, Heaggasket; cost me £150 but keep checking temp guage, check oil and water weekly (like your supposed to)

What's most practical about your car?

being 18 i dont need the space but its taken 3 people for a weekend away with room to spare. good mpg and the power to get past most cars on the road.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

doesnt have much, just the normal; electric windows, mirrors (+heated), sunroof. 'winged' seats, lumbar support. all i need really