Bought this Rover 216 SLi, 1.6 16v with CVT transmission. Goes like a dream, was a bt worried first when i couldn't feel the gear changes -then found out that CVT transmissions are seemless and the changes hardly noticeable (mind at reast). The kickdown works very well and very well and very fast if you let it go...The only draw back, and its a niggle more than anything..there is a rattle from a junction between the gearbox and the drive plate. Apparently it is a common niggle, which was replaced under warranty by Rover. Its a small spring that after time strecthes and then vibrates at low rpm. It is not dangerous or can have any effect on the vehicle..just an annoying rattle at tickover. At speed it is not there. Overall, a big thumbs up, smooth driving, comfortable and very economical. Pity they were not still building today...

Brilliant! My Rover 216 sli '92 is amazing, 155661 on the clock and still working like 15 years ago!

Well chuffed at buying this Rover 216 Si. I had been months without one so when I saw it on a dealers website I knew it was the one car I was finally gonna get after looking for a replacement for so long. Really nice car to look at that's one of the reasons I bought it. Plus the value for money factor was very high. It's got a nice grunt about the engine which has the best acceleration of any car I have had yet. Awesome car overall, totally minted.

I was given my Rover 216SI by my uncle to practice my driving in. It has allready had the headgasket replaced and a few things altered under the bonnet and with 92k miles on the clock I thought it was going fine until four days before my driving test when the manifold broke along with the cam belt! I missed my test and the car is still in the garage.
I have however fallen in love with the car and don't want to change it but it looks like I might have to.

All you have to do is with the Rover 216 Si is keep an eye on the water and oil, have it serviced every 6 months, and look after it inside and out.

I bought my 1998 Rover 216 Si as a 20,000 mile one owner car. The performance was excellent with a lively, smooth and willing engine, while average fuel consumption of 38mpg did not disappoint.
The steering was very light for parking but lacked feel at high speeds and the car was easily blown off course by sidewinds. The brakes (non ABS) were good but the front wheels tended to lock up far too easily on damp roads. To try to cure the problem I changed the 175/65 Dunlop tyres to 185/60 Goodyears and the improvement was remarkable. The steering also sharpened up a little as a result.
The driving positon was poor as the seat was set much too high. It felt like I was sitting on the car, not in it, although I loved the look and feel of the little leather steering wheel.
Build quality was very poor. There was a noisy rattle from inside the driver's door, a strong buzzing noise from behind the dash and a drone from the sunroof, sometimes all at the same time, which made me feel like shouting "shut up" at the car as I drove it!
Reliability was appalling. The head gasket blew (£500+), the headlamps had to be replaced for the MOT as they were misting up inside (£95 each), the ECU failed (£500 plus fitting), the alarm/central locking system packed in leaving me stranded (£250 plus an AA rescue) and even the fuel cap jammed solid (£20 and another AA rescue!) After 18 months and a fortune in repairs I could not get rid of it fast enough. Never again!

I am writing to warn you all about the Rover 216 Si, if rover were a gun, these would be the bullets! I am haunted by flashbacks of past journeys! This car is quick for its age and weight and although the suspension is softer than your average mattress it is possible to carry this speed through the corners. The only fault on this most excellent piece of machinery is the durability of the brake discs and pads, usually between 3 and 6 weeks! I bought this wild animal with just 33k on the clock and it has now covered 68k and I am still no closer to taming it! If your right foot has a tendency to stamp pedals uncontrollably then this my friend, is the car for you. And for the sum of just 45pounds wisely spent on a k&n induction kit this vehicle becomes more than capable of setting off car alarms!

Im 21 and I've had my Rover 216 SLI 16v twin cam now for a year, I bought it from a dealer with 80k on the clock. I asked for the cams to be changed as it was at the milage for it, within 24 hours of owning it the power steering belt came off 12 miles from home(country roads) if you have never driven one of these without power steering its not fun, within 2-3 weeks the head gasket had ruptured as the clutch went and my throttle cable snapped. Now it is a lovely car I will admit it does have a bit more class than say a saxo but if only rover put the elbow grease into finishing it it would have been massive. Regretably my rover has died again as I lent it to my mr2 turbo mad brother for 3 weeks. Never lend out your car boys and girls, however much they plea!

This review is from the point of view of a 22 yr old who loves driving. Car = R reg (97) Rover 216 Si.

On the road:
Performance - I have timed the 0-60 factor at under 10 seconds, find another 1.6 16 Valve car that is 7 years old that can still manage that and you'll be lucky. The engine is very responsive and still pulls willingly even at higher speeds.

Road holding / handling - well suited to the engine. Suspension is reasonably firm giving you lots of confidence through corners, could be helped a little with some ABS breaks if you're driving it hard.

Refinement - Engine is smooth as well as lively, firm suspension seems to soften up for motorway driving giving you a really quiet and comfortable drive, the seats are really supportive too adding to the comfort on long journeys. I think there is something up with my driver's window as when it is closed and you are doing some speed, it sounds like there is a gap in it sometimes. Gear changes are very slick and precise.

Overall comment - I initially chose this car 2 years ago with 50'000 on the clock, it now has 74'000. I chose this one because it offered the best performance while still offering cheap insurance, I guess this is because the Rover is seen as a bit of an old mans car. I couldn't be happier with my car at the minute - although I will say it has lost a lot of value really quickly - not sure why, and to drive it, it still feels really new. I haven't had anything go wrong yet, and I find it really easy to maintain (I'm no mechanic either!!) I enjoy driving this car because the look you get from older people in their newer, much more expensive cars, when you fly by them and there is nothing they can do to stop you is brilliant. You could pick a decent one up for £1500 - £1800 these days, and with 74'000 miles on the clock, I feel mine will easily do another 74'000.

I bought a rover 200. I have owned it for about a year.
They look alright, the engine is good, it always starts.
There is a disapear zone in the boot and there is not enough room to store stuff (maps, papers etc) in the door panels.
Generally its alright.
It's what they have not done to make life easier that puts you off this car.