How did you first start getting into the Rover 200?
I used to drive them (R8's) as company pool cars back when new. Appreciation of Hondas was already in the family, so I wasn't blind to what they were or blinkered by the local Ford/Vauxhall crowd... They were in fact the top selling car at the time and I used to pick these from the pool speciailly over the Orion and Escort equivalents which I thought were hopeless and lacked that je ne se quoi
'93 Rover 420 SLi in Nightfire with that bonnet hump
'79 Leyland Princess in a sort of white
'96 BMW 523i in that Panama Brown Metallic
'84 Alfa 33 QO track car in-build ran out of money again
'79 Leyland Princess in a sort of white
'96 BMW 523i in that Panama Brown Metallic
'84 Alfa 33 QO track car in-build ran out of money again
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eat more curry
- Forum User
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:21 am
- Location: Surrey
Hello
I bought a 1990 (H) 420GTi in red with 119,000 on the clock 10-years-ago. I didn't like it all that much to start with, that was until I got into the habit of red-lining it and then I realised that it was quite quick. I had this car for 3 years without ever looking after it, and it gained my respect because it refused to ever break down. Only after I'd got the mileage upto 164,000 did I get rid of it where I ended up with a Calibra 16v, and that car made me understand how good the Rover's gear-change and steering was.
A few years later I needed a new car and thought long and hard about what car I'd be content with and came to the conclusion that another Rover was the most sensible option, and so purchased a 1993 420GSi in red.
I enjoyed this car so much that I only wanted to part with it so I could get my 1992 220GTi (which I still drool over today) (also in red)
I gave the 400 to my girlfriend
A year later i blew a valve on the 220, which coincided with the 420's head-gasket failing, the 400 was looking a little rough, so I stole the head from it and stuck onto my car.
I then bought my girlfriend a Citroen Zantia (which she hated), so I had to get rid before she deliberately crashed it or lost it in the supermarket carpark. And what did I get for her? Yes a Rover - a 1995 220GSi.
However, the GSi I'd got for her just hadn't been looked after; the wheel-arches were rotten, the paint scruffy, and no oil in the motor when I went to pick it up. And now surprise surprise - the head-gasket failed.
I'm now on the look out for another Rover (one that's been looked after), as although the GSi turned out to be a lemon; my girlfriend has fallen for the charm of the 3-door Rover too.
Thanks for reading my waffle
Paul
I bought a 1990 (H) 420GTi in red with 119,000 on the clock 10-years-ago. I didn't like it all that much to start with, that was until I got into the habit of red-lining it and then I realised that it was quite quick. I had this car for 3 years without ever looking after it, and it gained my respect because it refused to ever break down. Only after I'd got the mileage upto 164,000 did I get rid of it where I ended up with a Calibra 16v, and that car made me understand how good the Rover's gear-change and steering was.
A few years later I needed a new car and thought long and hard about what car I'd be content with and came to the conclusion that another Rover was the most sensible option, and so purchased a 1993 420GSi in red.
I enjoyed this car so much that I only wanted to part with it so I could get my 1992 220GTi (which I still drool over today) (also in red)
I gave the 400 to my girlfriend
A year later i blew a valve on the 220, which coincided with the 420's head-gasket failing, the 400 was looking a little rough, so I stole the head from it and stuck onto my car.
I then bought my girlfriend a Citroen Zantia (which she hated), so I had to get rid before she deliberately crashed it or lost it in the supermarket carpark. And what did I get for her? Yes a Rover - a 1995 220GSi.
However, the GSi I'd got for her just hadn't been looked after; the wheel-arches were rotten, the paint scruffy, and no oil in the motor when I went to pick it up. And now surprise surprise - the head-gasket failed.
I'm now on the look out for another Rover (one that's been looked after), as although the GSi turned out to be a lemon; my girlfriend has fallen for the charm of the 3-door Rover too.
Thanks for reading my waffle
Paul
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diesel power
- Forum User
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2007 4:05 pm
- Location: kilmarnock, scotland
my old man always had brit cars 1st one i remember was a mini clubman estate then a allergo (new) then the great p6 (v8 of course) a mini at the same time, next was a metro (also new) followed by a dolmite. i've always had a soft spot for british cars. I've had a TR7 which scared the rubbish out of me. when the chance of getting the 200 coupe i did't stop to think and snapped it up for £400. now 4 months later and another £ 400 later i would't swap it anything else 
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adc-tomcat
- Forum User
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Sun Sep 23, 2007 10:08 am
oh how i got into rovers
my father owning the following cars whilst in my life my have been something to do with me buying my 2 tomcats then a gsi
my father had
rover 820e
rover 820i
rover 820se
rover 216gsi
mini mayfair
mini countryman (proper woody)
mini 850
austin 1300
mgc gt
austin ambassidor times 2
rover 216 coupe auto (owns now)
rover 45 (also owned now)
meastro
and thats in just 19 years alone
before i was born he has had austin 3 litre twice and 2 other minis and a morris minor
so far for me
i bought a rover 216 coupe and big end bearing went and also rusty so scrapped
then
i bought a rover 216 coupe with conrod thru front end with intentions of a fixing it but in 4 weeks i went from employed and nice home to unemployed and homeless as dad decided that he was going to russia so moved in with mum
mum been pain in but and said no to buying another car so i rented a garage off councle in good area and bought my gsi
in all 4 cars ive had ive never paid more than 200 quid *laughs*
also had insurence quote on my provisional for the gsi on my own fully comp for a grand but where from im keepin secret
my father owning the following cars whilst in my life my have been something to do with me buying my 2 tomcats then a gsi
my father had
rover 820e
rover 820i
rover 820se
rover 216gsi
mini mayfair
mini countryman (proper woody)
mini 850
austin 1300
mgc gt
austin ambassidor times 2
rover 216 coupe auto (owns now)
rover 45 (also owned now)
meastro
and thats in just 19 years alone
before i was born he has had austin 3 litre twice and 2 other minis and a morris minor
so far for me
i bought a rover 216 coupe and big end bearing went and also rusty so scrapped
then
i bought a rover 216 coupe with conrod thru front end with intentions of a fixing it but in 4 weeks i went from employed and nice home to unemployed and homeless as dad decided that he was going to russia so moved in with mum
mum been pain in but and said no to buying another car so i rented a garage off councle in good area and bought my gsi
in all 4 cars ive had ive never paid more than 200 quid *laughs*
also had insurence quote on my provisional for the gsi on my own fully comp for a grand but where from im keepin secret
Many years ago I had a lovely Mk2 Granada 2.8i Ghia. I then decided it would be a good idea buy a house with my girlfriend, so the gas guzzler had to go. I had a look around at a few cars that might do, and decided amongst others that a Rover 213 would be good, cheap insurance, able to run on unleaded and not to slow. My brother was serving in the RAF in Germany at the time, and he mentioned a mate of his was trading a Rover 213 in for a brand new Renault at a deler near to me. If I fancied it I could buy it for the PX price (I thnik it was £600 which was cheap for an 87 213 then). We arranged to do the deal, and the dealer agreed to let us pick the car up from them. I turned up at the forecourt, and saw a red 216 with no plates on it! My dozy brother had got the model wrong. Still, that was a really good car, one I'd put a manual choke on it. After a year it had some serious corrosion, we welded it up for an MOT and got shot of it. A few years later I kept looking at 214SEi wedges 9the proper ltd edition ones in red or green with the alloys and leather. I always fancied one, but never got one.
Fast forward to earlier this year, and I'm trying to sell a tatty J plated BMW 318 Touring. It's faded to pink in places, loads of rust, 170K, but 11 month test and 5 months tax. I've gopt this up for £375 and can't shift it. A couple come to look at it, and turn up in a 220 Coupe. She really likes the BMW, he's less keen but likes an easy life. The problem is they can't afford it until they've sold the Coupe. (The coupe has to go as the baby seat won't fit safely in the back). I'd mentioned that I liked the look of the Tomcats but couldn't afford one. He then asks if I'd consider a straight swap. His car has about one days tax and a couple of weeeks test, but is newer (93L), and fairly tidy, although it has a little rust and a knock in one rear wing. I take it for a quick fdrive and agree, thinking with a full ticket it must be easier to sell than the BMW. Get to their house to do the deal, she's not got the fullV5, onlt the new keeper bit. Against my better judgement I go ahead with the deal anyway. I put the car in for it's test, it needs a couple of front tyres and some new front pads. Result. Then I need to wait to get the logbook sorted so I can sell it. two months later! I finally have a logbook, but in the meantime while the car has been standing one of the rear calipers has seized. A new caliper sorts this, and it's ready for sale. I then sold my everyday drive, and insured and taxed the coupe. We took it on holiday to Cornwall with us, nice car. When we got back onto ebay it goes with a long MOT and just under six months tax, £500 reserve, it makes £210. It's also in the local free ads at £595, no takers so it looks like I'm stuck with it. I don't mind, it's a great car, but the insurance is stupid, and I really need a diesel as I cover about 500 miles a week.
That's my story.
Fast forward to earlier this year, and I'm trying to sell a tatty J plated BMW 318 Touring. It's faded to pink in places, loads of rust, 170K, but 11 month test and 5 months tax. I've gopt this up for £375 and can't shift it. A couple come to look at it, and turn up in a 220 Coupe. She really likes the BMW, he's less keen but likes an easy life. The problem is they can't afford it until they've sold the Coupe. (The coupe has to go as the baby seat won't fit safely in the back). I'd mentioned that I liked the look of the Tomcats but couldn't afford one. He then asks if I'd consider a straight swap. His car has about one days tax and a couple of weeeks test, but is newer (93L), and fairly tidy, although it has a little rust and a knock in one rear wing. I take it for a quick fdrive and agree, thinking with a full ticket it must be easier to sell than the BMW. Get to their house to do the deal, she's not got the fullV5, onlt the new keeper bit. Against my better judgement I go ahead with the deal anyway. I put the car in for it's test, it needs a couple of front tyres and some new front pads. Result. Then I need to wait to get the logbook sorted so I can sell it. two months later! I finally have a logbook, but in the meantime while the car has been standing one of the rear calipers has seized. A new caliper sorts this, and it's ready for sale. I then sold my everyday drive, and insured and taxed the coupe. We took it on holiday to Cornwall with us, nice car. When we got back onto ebay it goes with a long MOT and just under six months tax, £500 reserve, it makes £210. It's also in the local free ads at £595, no takers so it looks like I'm stuck with it. I don't mind, it's a great car, but the insurance is stupid, and I really need a diesel as I cover about 500 miles a week.
That's my story.
I'm not reallt 'into' Rovers as such, but the 220GSi is a very nice car.
I brought mine when the engine in my Chevette gave out. I'd got a bit fed up of low-spec interiors and small engines so i was looking for something new and fast.
I saw this 220GSi in some online classifieds, and as it was the highest sepc'd, biggest engined car for the smallest amout of money i went to check it out.
It looked better in the metal than it did in the ad, and there were no major glaring faults so i brought it. Now i really like it, but hate all the grief i get off my mates for driving an 'olds man car'. It seems though, that everyone i know who isnt a petrol-head thinks its a really nice car, but people who are dont....
I brought mine when the engine in my Chevette gave out. I'd got a bit fed up of low-spec interiors and small engines so i was looking for something new and fast.
I saw this 220GSi in some online classifieds, and as it was the highest sepc'd, biggest engined car for the smallest amout of money i went to check it out.
It looked better in the metal than it did in the ad, and there were no major glaring faults so i brought it. Now i really like it, but hate all the grief i get off my mates for driving an 'olds man car'. It seems though, that everyone i know who isnt a petrol-head thinks its a really nice car, but people who are dont....
C20XE Chevette - Fast road/track project
Zetec MK1 Escort - Long-term resto
Zetec MK1 Escort - Long-term resto
Well I was an Escort person myself and had just sold my 2nd one. I needed soemthing less than a 1.8 but could still move if it wanted too which is where I found my Rover.
After going through Autotrader for a while I noticed my little beaut in a small ad kinda hidden away so I called the number and the guy still had it. I flew over to town and spent a while looking at it and thought to myself that for the price there is probably no way I'm going to find another car with the same spec and condition that the Rover was in so I bought it straight away.
Since then I've done everything I could to make it how it is today and although I have a few issues with it, it still remains my best and most reliable car I've owned so far. Its nice when people randomly stop you to ask about the car and take some pics, gives you the feeling that what you've done was worth it
After going through Autotrader for a while I noticed my little beaut in a small ad kinda hidden away so I called the number and the guy still had it. I flew over to town and spent a while looking at it and thought to myself that for the price there is probably no way I'm going to find another car with the same spec and condition that the Rover was in so I bought it straight away.
Since then I've done everything I could to make it how it is today and although I have a few issues with it, it still remains my best and most reliable car I've owned so far. Its nice when people randomly stop you to ask about the car and take some pics, gives you the feeling that what you've done was worth it
A quick recap of the things I said in my "hello" post!
I bought my 214SLi for £200 from the local car auction in early 2003, to replace my previous (broken) Peugeot 309. It had a reasonably long MoT, good tyres, drove well, etc.
In about October 2004 it started knocking underneath the front when braking or accelerating. Investigating this, I found the front crossmember had been badly welded up and had finally given in round the nearside tie-rod, causing the knocking as the tie-rod (and the roadwheel) moved backwards and forwards. Plus the subframe was rotten too.
I bought a miserable Escort 1.6LX to replace it. The Escort's been and gone, replaced with a 1997 Mondeo 2.0LX. But I still have the Rover, and the replacement subframe I got from the scrapyard. I can't bear to get rid of it, it's such a lovely car. I must get round to doing something with it.
It's starting to get a bit tatty. However only yesterday it gained a set of 16" Wolfrace wheels! Swapped with a friend with a 220D bubble, the tyres are shot and he swapped with my 14" steels with good tyres!
I bought my 214SLi for £200 from the local car auction in early 2003, to replace my previous (broken) Peugeot 309. It had a reasonably long MoT, good tyres, drove well, etc.
In about October 2004 it started knocking underneath the front when braking or accelerating. Investigating this, I found the front crossmember had been badly welded up and had finally given in round the nearside tie-rod, causing the knocking as the tie-rod (and the roadwheel) moved backwards and forwards. Plus the subframe was rotten too.
I bought a miserable Escort 1.6LX to replace it. The Escort's been and gone, replaced with a 1997 Mondeo 2.0LX. But I still have the Rover, and the replacement subframe I got from the scrapyard. I can't bear to get rid of it, it's such a lovely car. I must get round to doing something with it.
It's starting to get a bit tatty. However only yesterday it gained a set of 16" Wolfrace wheels! Swapped with a friend with a 220D bubble, the tyres are shot and he swapped with my 14" steels with good tyres!