Rover 200 Review (1995 to 1999)

Quick Summary

It may not be 'Above All' but it's certainly a Rover. These days that means class which, in this case, needn't cost a lot.

Overall:

Models Covered: THIRD GENERATION 200 – NOVEMBER 1995-1999:1.1i three & five-door [211i, 200SE, 200iE] / 1.4i three & five-door [214, 214SE, 214S, 214i, 214Si, 214iS, 214iE, 214iL] / 1.6i three & five-door [216iE, 216Si, 216iS, 216iL, 216SLi, 216GSi] / 1.8i three & five-door [218iS, 200vi] / 2.0 diesel three & five-door [220SE, 220iE, 220iS, 220iL, 220DS turbo, 220D turbo, 220 SD turbo, 220Di turbo, 220SDi turbo]

SMOOTH OPERATORS

This was the car that should originally have replaced the Metro from the very start, before Rover had a re-think, deciding instead that it should move its range upmarket, starting with something sized halfway between a Fiesta and an Escort. Mechanically similar to the previous second-generation 200, and sharing some inner body panels, this replacement model was a smoothly styled hatchback, pitched more as a compact executive car than a superior supermini.The 200 was a great success for Rover, lifting its maker's image and returning it to the top-10 best sellers lists, after the gradual decline of the Metro, or 100, as it was renamed.The main criticism of the 200 was always a somewhat cosy rear compartment. Rover felt that what was now their smallest model should be thought of more as a personal coupe (even the five-door versions?) than a compact family car, so if rear leg room matters less than a classy cabin and elegant styling, the 200 could well be for you.
Used Rover 200 for sale

History of the 200

Launched at the Earl's Court Motor Show in late 1995, the 200 appeared to a somewhat surprised public. Its lines were much admired and the promise of a three-door vi version, equipped with the MGF's 1.8-litre VVC engine, ensured an enthusiastic, if cautious welcome from the motoring press.The rest of the engine line-up was familiar, having been carried over from the old-shape 200, though the Peugeot diesels were replaced by Rover's own 2.0-litre units.Both three and five-door variants were immediately available, in a wide variety of trim levels, all of them with an emphasis on luxury features.Apart from the introduction of price-leading models and a slight re-ordering of model names in the summer of 1997, the range remained unchanged, apart from the introduction of two 1.8-litre versions. Confusingly, though, all models were now badged just '200', regardless of derivative (which doesn't much help when you're scouring a dealer's display in search of a particular version).Available as both a three and five-door, the 218iS appeared in late summer 1997, following hot on the heels of a five-door vi. The original three-door vi, shown at the time of the original launch, had itself only become available in January 1997, due to 'production difficulties'. The sell-out success of the MGF had caught Rover by surprise, with the result that every engine that could be produced was earmarked for the roadster - its hatchback cousins had to wait. Later that year, an entry-level 1.1-litre version – the 211i – was launched to replace the discontinued 100.In June 1999, the line-up received its last range of revisions in 200 form, with the trim levels changed to include SE, iE, iL and iS, the latter two having been offered as special editions for the previous two months.The 200 was replaced by the 25 in November 1999. The new car has a distinctive four-headlight nose and numerous detail styling, trim, equipment and mechanical changes.
Used Rover 200 for sale

Rover 200 Road Test

Performance wise, the 200 series is a mixed bag. In the 214, rest to 60 occupies just 12.5 seconds on the way to 103mph, while the 200vi manages the standing start sprint in only 7.5 seconds, on its way to a maximum 127mph.More importantly, even the little 214 feels good to drive. True performance after all, doesn't really have very much to do with speed. Rather, it's about two things; handling and ability, both of which any 200 has to a high standard.Criticisms (if you discount the intentional diminutive size which makes travelling four-up something of a friendly experience) are few. The driving position is rather high and boot space is, as you might imagine, at something of a premium. Still, the class out-weighs the carping.
Used Rover 200 for sale

Buying a Rover 200

Long gone are the days when a British-designed and built car also came with quality question marks. The Longbridge assembly and general refinement of the 200 has always been first rate and that's not always the case with some of the European competition.Corrosion isn't a particular problem but check the sills and rear doors carefully, not forgetting telltale stone chips on the bonnet.Automatic 200s use a constantly-variable transmission and it's wise to have this checked by an expert for wear, as problems can be tricky and expensive to rectify if the system has been abused by an over-enthusiastic previous owner.
Used Rover 200 for sale

Rover 200 Typical Pricing

The lowest price you'll see a 200 advertised for will be around £1.000, though it will no doubt be a relatively basic 214 eight-valve three-door. If you're after one of these late 1995 cars, you'd probably be better off paying only another £150 or so for the added convenience of five doors.An even better bet would be a 16-valve 1.4 or 1.6-litre car. The extra power makes quite a difference to the performance and economy won't suffer very much, either. You should expect to pay a minimum of about £1,200 for the first 1.6 N-plate three-door (or a 97P 1.4), while a five-door will be around £100 or £200 more.The first of the 97P-reg 1.8-litre three-doors are commanding in the region of £1.425, expect to pay around £25 more for the option of five doors.The entry-level 211 replaced the 100 (nee Metro) in 1998 and prices range from £1,350 for a 98R three-door. But go for the extra power of a 1.4 8-valver if you can, for another £300 or so.As for diesels, you'll need to spend about £800 which should secure you a 1996N entry-level 220D. The SD and SDi offer a better deal, so consider something like a 97P-plate 220SD for roughly £1,325 or a 99T-reg SDi for closer to £1,850.
Used Rover 200 for sale

Rover 200 Parts

(approx. based on 1.4 1995 Hatch) For most parts the prices are quiet reasonable and worth the money. Expect to pay around £95 for a full clutch assembly, £485 for a full exhaust system (including the catalyst), around £80 for a headlamp and up to £115 for a radiator.Brake pads should cost about £45 for the front and £35 for the rear, an alternator is around £175 and a starter motor around £120.
Used Rover 200 for sale