Ride of a life time (Rover 400)

Member Name: hon4m

Product:	Rover 400
Date:	23/10/01 (3331 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap insurance

Disadvantages: Suspect power unit

I purchased this used car from a main dealer over a year ago for just under £5000, it came serviced and with a 12 month Mot, it had a genuine 17000 miles on the clock
Within a week it had refused to start a number of times with a starter fault. This was rectified by fitting a new starter free of charge by the main dealer who I couldnt fault for there service.
A couple of weeks went by and a violent knock developed at the back, this was easily diagnosed as a leaking shock absorber, the dealer refused to change this as it was fair wear and tear, (I think not as it had just been serviced and had an Mot by them) so I changed that myself for a fraction of the price.
As the nights began to get longer so I noticed a problem with one of the head lights which was suffering from a very poor beam, it was apparent that the lens was covered on the inside with condensation so disrupting the beam. I again approached the dealer only to be told that this was very much a natural phenomenon,It didnt matter that it was down right dangerous, they said it would probably evaporate after half an hour, pity that my average journey time was less than that. This is now also starting to affect the other head light and both tail lights.
I also had an oil leak from the power steering system which was repaired free of charge.

Having listed the faults I have to say that the car is extremly economical, comfortable to drive and spacious enough to accomodate my six foot son in the back in comfort together with two noisy daughters on a comfortable back seat.The trim and paint again cannot be faulted, my only reservation is the engine!

I work in the motor industry and I know only to well the failings of this power unit. The problem being the plastic water cooled inlet manifold, which is prone to leakage which causes failure of the cylinder head gasket and posiibly the demise of the whole power unit if not detected in time. Rover will not admit to this problem but
they have had to release a modified manifold gasket and studs to overcome this problem, but there has been no product recall.

Also on a recent visit to a supplier of reconditioned engines I was shown a pallet load of K series cylinder heads for reconditioning and told that they were a best seller. Rover also released a batch of vehicles from the factory with cylinder heads made from a sub standard material which was in effect being eroded from the inside by the coolant.

I have now had this car for over 12 months and am very impressed with it. The car returns an excellent mpg, 29 to 30 mpg around the doors and over 45 mpg at between 70 and I shouldn't say this 105 mph. Also for some reason the car has kept its value, but I see of no need to replace it as of yet.

Thannks for reading~~~~~ hon4m

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