I have a 1998 Turbo charged Rover 218iS. It's a great car to drive, reaching 0-60 in just over six seconds. Although it has 126k on the clock it drives like new.
Haven't had car that long but had so many problems with it including gearbox and clutch. However the sporty feel and fast acceleration make up for it.
Boot carpet is very thin and storage space isn't great but hey the spec makes up for it, with air conditioning, full electrics and alloys this car is a hot buy for anyone.

The Rover 200 is an absolutely lovely car to drive it really is, the sound, the feel and the looks of the car are all fantastic, ok so it is no ferrari of a hatchback but still for 1200 english pounds i'm not complaining. I think that I need to put an induction kit in it but i'm not sure if there is a specific one for a rover engine? (any help would be good) But yes overall a nice little first motor for me :) very pleased.

I have a 1998 Rover 218is 16v. I love this car. I bought it with 21,000 miles and it now covered 48,000. I love the looks, the handling, and the acceleration. I ve read of other people complaining of the seats and driving position. I think its excellent. I'm 6ft1 and slim. The seats are very supportive, and can be adjusted easilly. I regularly drive from leeds to kent, about 4-5 hrs dependent on traffic. I don't bother stopping now. I can get out of the car after 5hrs with no stiffnes what so ever. Ive done this journey in other cars, Discoveries Orions Escorts VW's none are as comfy as the rover.

The brakes are aso good. The 218 has disks front and back. It also has big anti roll bars front and back, there is still some roll, but not bad for a factory car. Nothing has gone wrong yet, fingers crossed, i'm suprised by this because I thought being a rover it would fall apart. Im always supride and pleased by the solid feel of the car and how quiet it is. Its much better than french cars i've driven (don't get a 206, big piles of french garbage). Insurance is also cheap. Group 9 for a car that ive timed as 0-60 near 8 secs, and ive had the spedo reading 139. Buy one you can't beat it.