Rover Economy

Nedved11 · 25 Feb 2006 at 01:32

Have been looking at the 200 Series, 214 and 216 Hatch in particular, and they seem great value for money, including insuring it. I need a little run around and these seem ideal. I know people seem to curse them but I don't think they deserve all the abuse they get.

Anything amiss here? What should i be looking for in a nice 214/216? Any common problems these cars have or could have?

Cheers

Nedved11 · 25 Feb 2006 at 02:16

Surely its just the luck of the draw? Are the earlier K-Series renowned for the head gasket problems or does that go into the 1995-2000 models too?

What is actually that so bad about them, is it the structure? mechanics? electrics?

Nedved11 · 25 Feb 2006 at 16:17

Thanks for the input guys, after i did some more research it has confirmed what some of you guys have said already. It is the older model with the Honda engines. I was looking at getting the bubble shape ones. The ones I have been looking at are under a grand which is easily within my budget. What got me is the insurance bracket they are in! They must have missed this model somewhere down the line, Over 100bhp and a group 5/6?

Anything with a bit more oomph than my 1.0L Micra!

Will go round to have a look at a few, will have a good thorough look sees if there is any signs of HGF's, even if the worst comes to the worst i don't mind a dabble swapping the gaskets out myself unless i actually really thrash it and bork the head.

Nedved11 · 25 Feb 2006 at 16:27

People seem to keep a religious eye on the coolant levels, will need to buy an industrial size wholesale lot and keep it in the boot! Is the mixture 50-50 correct with antifreeze?

Nedved11 · 25 Feb 2006 at 17:17

Right well I think if i see a good one without any signs of heating up I'll get it, as soon as i see any temp increases or leakages would be best to not drive it until its sorted. What uprated HG would you recommend if it did go and needed replacing?