My wife's 214 16V (May 1998) has been a cracker! It has needed little maintenance in 9 yrs and 56k miles of local driving, with a few motorway trips. Never had HGF either - because we sorted a leaking inlet manifold gasket when it was 3 yrs old, I replaced the radiator last year, and the water pump, belts and tensioner have just been done to cure a water leak and prevent a siezed tensioner. There have been a few fuses go recently, plus the tailgate electrics played up when the loom got tired of bending everytime the wife opens the boot, but that has been about it, apart the routine service and recent back brakes.
I have spent £65 on a cheap set of alloys, and am looking for a cheap leather interior to fit in it. The only downside, no air-con on this.
The engine is fairly lively, but soemtimes you forget it is only a 1400cc! I wish I had a stciker for all the times I have beaten bigger cars away from the lights that said "You have beaten by a Rover 1.4!"
|