Hi everyone. I have a real hankering for a Rover 200 series (1989 to 1996 version). I am really only interested in purchasing a 1.4 engined one. Is there anything to look out for, (particularly regarding the supposedly infamous head gasket issue-does it affect this series of car, and this engine size?). Also, how difficult will it be to find spare parts-any more difficult to find than on a car of similar vintage from a manufacturer that still exists? I look forward to hearing your feedback. Many thanks.

If this is the version with the same body shape as the Honda Concerto, I had one with the Honda 1.6 engine and it was a really good car, unfortunately a no-fault accident meant I had to replace it. One item it did need was rear suspension bushes, not cheap.

The replacement 1.4 Rover 200 was OK, surprisingly quick, didn't suffer head gasket failure but the thermostat failed (open) which meant slow warm-up. Couldn't be bothered fixing it so traded it for a Corolla.

The replacement 1.4 Rover 200 was OK

I wouldn't touch one now, they had nothing but electrical problems

the earlier 216 was the better car and the 416 estate version, which I owned one for 3 years until it was rear ended and wrote it off, after that engine I bought Honda, after that never looked back...but Rover did the 1.4 and 1.6, but the Honda was far superior and come with a manual instead of auto

You may even be better off finding a Honda as they were the same bodyshell just minor changes for Rover, mechanically far better and imo better on fuel and quicker

SLO( or anyone), do you happen to know which engine went into the Rover 220i? I drove one for a few weeks in the 1990s when I was in between company cars and it was in between drivers, and it was great to drive.

Big engine and medium-sized body - my favourite combination which I've been able to enjoy since the children grew up.

Thanks to everyone so far for their response. Much appreciated! Keep them coming :)

Not actually a 214 but near enough, this 414 looks great and the price isn't too bad given the (apparent) condition.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990-Rover-414-1-4-SLi-16v-27-3...i

My dad had one of these and really liked it. He only got rid of it because a change of circumstances meant him and mum needed an estate (a rescued greyhound and, a few months later, a lurcher). I drove his a few times, and have driven quite a few Rovers with that engine over the years. Always found them really nice, smooth, sweet and surprisingly punchy (for a n/a 1.4 of the time).