Rover 200 Saloon 1984-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Nicely presented and finished car and reasonably priced. Undervalued against contemporary competition.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    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

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Quite sprightly and communicative. FWD can scrabble for grip sometimes and will understeer if pushed. Overall, not unpleasant.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    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

    4 out of 5 4.0

    No real problems at all - always starts and runs well. Engine is smooth and sweet.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Dull. Victor Meldrew drove the Honda equivalent. Need I say more?

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    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

    1 out of 5 1.0

    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

    2 out of 5 2.0

    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