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Auto Express Car Reviews
Rover 200/25
May 2002
In the seven years since its launch, the Rover 200/25 series has established itself as a popular choice in its sector - although uncertainty over the marque's future affected values harshly two years ago.
Plus points include an entertaining chassis, surefooted handling and lively engines, while the wood-trimmed cabin gives it a classy nature. That said, the interior is cramped, while the car doesn't have a great reliability record and has an 'old fogey' image, despite recent attempts to jazz things up with the 25. But with lots of private one-owner examples on the market at sensible prices, the Rover is a tempting used buy.
200/25 checklist
* Engines are generally reliable, but the K-Series 1.4 is prone to head gasket failure. Look for milky deposits in oil; see that temperature gauge remains stable.
* Clutches wear fast on town-bound cars. Check the pedal has a positive action and doesn't judder on release.
* Piston slap and ticking camshafts are common, but easy to right. Check the top end of engine for oil leaks.
* Weak door and boot seals occasionally leak. In extreme cases, they can cause the alarm to go off if air or water gets into the cabin.
Glass's Guide View
The trade 'bible' says the 200 and 25 are popular with private buyers, so there are lots of well kept low milers on market. Sensible prices make them good value for money.
My Rover 200...
In the three years Sian Martin has owned her Rover 214i it has been reasonably reliable, although it did have a few teething problems.
"The starter motor packed up the day after I got it," said Sian, 27, a legal assistant from Stockport, Cheshire. "And as well as a faulty boot catch and alarm, the head gasket went at only 19,000 miles."
That said, Sian enjoys driving her Rover and likes its fuel economy and low insurance. But she's less happy with the depreciation. Sian paid £9,000 for the car when it was 12 months old, but now the 24,000-mile 1.4 8v is only worth £3,900. Nevertheless, she'll keep it for a couple more years, then buy a Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla.
Plus points include an entertaining chassis, surefooted handling and lively engines, while the wood-trimmed cabin gives it a classy nature. That said, the interior is cramped, while the car doesn't have a great reliability record and has an 'old fogey' image, despite recent attempts to jazz things up with the 25. But with lots of private one-owner examples on the market at sensible prices, the Rover is a tempting used buy.
200/25 checklist
* Engines are generally reliable, but the K-Series 1.4 is prone to head gasket failure. Look for milky deposits in oil; see that temperature gauge remains stable.
* Clutches wear fast on town-bound cars. Check the pedal has a positive action and doesn't judder on release.
* Piston slap and ticking camshafts are common, but easy to right. Check the top end of engine for oil leaks.
* Weak door and boot seals occasionally leak. In extreme cases, they can cause the alarm to go off if air or water gets into the cabin.
Glass's Guide View
The trade 'bible' says the 200 and 25 are popular with private buyers, so there are lots of well kept low milers on market. Sensible prices make them good value for money.
My Rover 200...
In the three years Sian Martin has owned her Rover 214i it has been reasonably reliable, although it did have a few teething problems.
"The starter motor packed up the day after I got it," said Sian, 27, a legal assistant from Stockport, Cheshire. "And as well as a faulty boot catch and alarm, the head gasket went at only 19,000 miles."
That said, Sian enjoys driving her Rover and likes its fuel economy and low insurance. But she's less happy with the depreciation. Sian paid £9,000 for the car when it was 12 months old, but now the 24,000-mile 1.4 8v is only worth £3,900. Nevertheless, she'll keep it for a couple more years, then buy a Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla.
Pictures
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VERDICT
- The 1.4s are nearly as quick as the 1.6s but easier on fuel and insurance. SLi is well equipped, with power-steering, central locking and a good stereo. Go for the 16v, which does 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds and returns 40mpg. While noisy at speed, this lively engine suits the car's chuckable nature.
OTHER EXPENSES
Depreciation:3
Running costs (ppm):32-44p
Insurance groups:3-14
HISTORY
- 1995: New 200 Series launched, with two 1.4-litre engines (75bhp 8v and 103bhp 16v) carried over from outgoing model, plus 111bhp 1.6, lively 1.8VVC (145bhp) and two 2.0-litre turbodiesels. Offered in S, Si, SLi, GSi SDi and Vi trim. Three and five-door hatch body styles.
1997: Upgrades across range: tinted glass for all models, electric windows on all but entry-level 8v.
1998: BRM special edition offered with Vi's 1.8-litre unit, air scoop and metallic British Racing Green paint.
1999: 214 and 216 become 200. iE and SEi spec levels introduced.
1999: 200 reinvented as 25, with twin-headlamps. Repositioned in market to rival smaller cars, meaning lower new prices and shattered residuals.
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