I'm what some would call a part time single dad, I work full time and in between have my 15yr old da...
I'm what some would call a part time single dad, I work full time and in between have my 15yr old daughter staying with me. Always busy I can tell you.
Member since:20.01.2003
Reviews:12
The Rover 200 Coupe was built from 1993 until 1998, in this time there were a few variations in engine spec & interior. The early models consisted of a 1.6 a 2.0 nasp and a 2.0 Turbo with interior from the standard 92 to 96 200. Later the 2.0 & Turbo were replaced by the 1.8VVC and the 1.6 got the Rover K Series engine as opposed to the earlier Honda lump, the interior was updated with the dashboard from the bubble 200.
I own a 1998 1.8VVC which it has to be said has succumbed to the aforementioned HGF, along with a suspect cylinder head (I didn't switch it off quickly enough). I have owned this car for just over a year so for the purpose of this review I will write my opinions of the car prior to the above problems.
In standard form the VVC
engine produces 145 bhp and is very free revving, this is noticable when accelerating and if you let it it will go well into the red line area. There are no flat spots in the rev range as such but a big surge of power above 4500rpm.
Like the turbo the chassis has trouble keeping hold of the power and I have found that with enthusiastic acceleration on twisty roads you can experience understeer. On the motorway the chassis is more than happy and the ride is comfortable if a little on the hard side, with the free revving of the engine it is quite easy to creep over the speed limit without noticing.
Fuel economy is better than I expected when you are just cruising, I don't have any exact figures but as a guide I regularly do a 200 mile round trip to see friends and use about £20 worth of petrol. This is reduced with more enthusiastic driving but that applies to any car.
The interior is adequate, the front seats are recaro style with half leather trim and hold you well, the drivers seat has height adjustment and a lumbar support adjustment. There is room for only 2 rear passengers and if there is anyone tall travelling with you they may have some problems in the rear seats because of reduced headroom where the roof slopes toward the back.
The dashboard is easily readable and all controls are well within reach, stereo controls are mounted on the steering wheel, its starting to look a little dated now with the normal Rover walnut section included, I quite like it but thats a matter of personal taste.
Safety wise there are airbags for driver and front seat passenger and the doors have side impact bars, seatbelts are fitted with pre tensioners as standard.
ABS & power steering is also standard on later models but Aircon is an extra only available if it was chosen as an option when new.
The T bar roof car generate wind noise, to reduce this its necessary to remove the panels every so often and clean the rubber seals. If you want the roof off there is a storage bag for the panels that clips into the boot. When you do this its unwise to put anything heavy in there with them as you could end up breaking the panels, and replacements don't come cheap.
Talking of the boot it isn't really that small but the opening to get anything in there is quite small so don't plan on transporting anything bulky. The rear seats fold down so it is possible to transport longer items.
The overall build quality is average, the interior is prone to small annoying rattles and another annoyance is the constant need to clean the door switches so the interior light comes on when you open the door.
When I bought this car a year ago the others on my shortlist were the Ford Puma & Fiat Coupe, and although I currently have problems with the engine I was initially looking at a car £3K to £5K cheaper than a Puma or Fiat of the same age & mileage (Under 40K). So even with the cost of engine repair i'm still looking at performance on a budget.
This car is quite a rare sight but because of its background it shares a lot of parts with the other 200's so parts are never hard to come by (unless you damage the bodywork, which is only used on this model).
Since owning it I have taken it for work at a Rover main dealer, my opinion of that encounter is reflected in the customer service section below.
For anyone considering buying a Rover Coupe or in fact any model with the K series engine my main advice is to monitor the engine regularly.
Check for water in the oil & remove the coolant filler cap when the engine is cold, if there is a noticable pressure there combined with bubbles appearing in the coolant you have early evidence of a head gasket failure. If this is the case get it checked immediately as it can very quickly become more serious and expensive.
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Advantages: VVC Engine or Turbo engines are extremely quick and handle well. Targa removable roof. Disadvantages: Turbo tyre wear, not a very modern dash!
fezza101 04.04.2006 ·
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Review of Rover 200 Coupe
Advantages: VVC Engine or Turbo engines are extremely quick and handle well. Targa removable roof. Disadvantages: Turbo tyre wear, not a very modern dash!
fezza101 04.04.2006 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Rover 200 Coupe
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