Rover 414 16v 1.4l Review

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Rover 414 16v 1.4l
2.9 stars
Average rating for this product is: 2.9 out of 5

From 11 ratings and 4 reviews

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ngoodearl's Review of Rover 414 16v 1.4l

3rd Apr 2009

Overall Rating

4 stars
  • Value for money
    4 stars
  • Length of ownership
    2 and a half years
  • Performance
    3 stars
  • Reliability
    4.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    1996
  • Doors
    5
  • Practicality
    5 stars
Good Points

Good looks, excellent ride and fuel economy (up to 44mpg), quiet, spacious, folding rear seats, cheap to buy and relatively cheap to insure


Bad Points

Heavy depreciation, expensive parts, head gasket failure


General Comments

I got a 1.4 96 rover 414si in December 2006 for £700 inc vat. I needed a cheap car after returning from travelling and my dad got me it through a friend who owned a business and did not need it anymore. It had 66k on the clock, alloy wheels, electronic front windows and mirrors and power steering. The head gasket had been changed.

I have had it over 2 years and it is the best car I have owned. It is very spacious, quiet and does close to 44mpg on the motorway. The ride is excellent even compared to newer cars. I didn't know this at the time but the SI model was the best of the 414's. The car past its MOT the first time round. The second time the headlights were out and rear brakes but nothing fundementally wrong. The tracking was out at the back which wore out the back tyres. I was unware the rear wheels could be adjusted. The key fob went wrong, which cost me £80, but that could have happened to any Rover including a land rover.

It now has 86K on the clock. Due to the dimise of Rover the car isn't worth much at all and parts are expensive. The HG will go around 100k and at £600 it just isn't worth doing. The car nearly always starts and was fine in the snow when brand new cars were breaking down.

I didn't know the HG went on Rovers when I got it. I check the coolent regulary. The 1.4 engine is fine when there is just 2 people in the car. Add a 3rd or 4th and you notice it. The handling isn't great. The seats are not that comfortable after a few hours of driving. Apart from that a very good car indeed especially for the money I paid. Due to the depreciation I would never have bought one from new. It is sad this British car manufacturer went under.

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