Rover 400 Saloon 1990-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Excellent! The grandad image means you can pick up a top spec bargain for peanuts.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Rover parts are hideously expensive.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Sometimes a bit of roll on fast corners, but not bad at all considering the car's intended market.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Don't think you'll get much better from a 1.4 in a car this size. Most people think it's the 1.6 version until they see the badge on the pack.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Needs new HT leads each year or it starts misfiring, otherwise starts first time every time and never gives me trouble. Clutch starting to wear at only 80K though - even though I know it's been treated gently all it's life.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Don't buy if you're image conscious - there is a serious grandad image that goes with owning this car.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very, very comfortable interior - love the armrest in the centre!

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    The standard spec alarm is rubbish ultrasonic sensors lack sensitivity. Imobiliser works fine, and no one's ever tried to break into it.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    It may just be my dealership, but I'm not impressed with Rover - ridiculously high quotes for the most minor of jobs, takes weeks to supply parts which they promise will come in days, seems to resent anyone under 60 being on their premises.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    My engine runs fine with no problems, but then I realise other K-series owners aren't so lucky.

    Other

    Chews through HT leads, no idea why.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes