Rover 400 Estate (1994 - 1999) 1.6 SE 5d (1998/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Doesn't get a lot of street cred, but i'm just fine with that. It shows that i don't go for the ordinary chaved up 1.0 Corsa and Clios that most people my age go for.

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

They mock it when they first see it, but when get inside they are quite suprised at how comfy and spacious it is. It completely and utterly slaughters my friends 1.0 / 1.2 hatchbacks off the line. I think some are jelous :)

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not as i'd like a change every time i get a new car, but i'd certainly recommended one to others.

What are you likely to buy next?

Unsure at this stage, but again something different from the norm.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£400

When did you buy the car?

September 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

The seller was family and i owed him £100 anyways so a good cheap first car. No complaints.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Only that it was something different from what most people my age (18) drive.

What was the dealer like?

The seller was family so had no trouble with him. I'd have slapped him if he'd given me any agro!

What's it like to drive?

Pretty Quick for a 1600cc that's getting towards 10 years old. It'll do 60mph in a shade under 10s, which is more than enough for me being a young driver. The K-Series engine sounds great and really starts to come allive after 5000rpm. She revs smoothly all the way to 6750rpm. Gearbox is a bit agricultural and can be a pain to get in 1st gear sometimes. The suspension is soft, so not a car to be flinging into corners but it is a very comfortable ride. Averages about 35-40mpg depending on the conditions.

What's it like to park?

Not as bad as i had originally expected. But since i live out in the countryside and rarely venture into the city theres not a lot of tight parking to be done.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No not yet, although plenty of minor things have gone wrong in the past. However, parts for this car are cheap in comparison to most others. If anything major (e.g Head Gasket) blows up, i'll just scrap it, since repairing it will probably cost more than what the cars worth.

What's most practical about your car?

Size. With the back seats down, i can fit masses of stuff in it. With the seats up, enough room for 5 adults.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Engine. Cracking little thing.