Rover 420, 83,000 miles, £550, good deal?

Avoriaz

We want a cheap and reliable run about for mainly short local trips to the shops etc.

We were thinking Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, VW Golf or similar.

I saw this on Ebay today and will be seeing it tomorrow.

The vendor says it is mechanically sound but the bodywork is a bit marked. We aren't too bothered about looks if it is reliable.

I know nothing about the Rover 420 but online reviews appear favourable.

If this car checks out ok, is it good value at £550? I'm a bit suspicious of what appears to be a low price so I will be careful.

Thanks

waynedance

very very common for head gasket problems. The K series engine would be great a engine if not for this problem.

no_more_cards_for_me

It a T series engine

motorguy

waynedance wrote: »

very very common for head gasket problems. The K series engine would be great a engine if not for this problem.

Just as well this car doesnt have a K series engine then. The K series went from 1.1 litre to 1.8 litre only.

This engine is a T series.

waynedance

your ok then............nice looking car, £550 is more than enough to pay for this car.

motorguy

Avoriaz wrote: »

We want a cheap and reliable run about for mainly short local trips to the shops etc.

We were thinking Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, VW Golf or similar.

I saw this on Ebay today and will be seeing it tomorrow.

The vendor says it is mechanically sound but the bodywork is a bit marked. We aren't too bothered about looks if it is reliable.

I know nothing about the Rover 420 but online reviews appear favourable.

If this car checks out ok, is it good value at £550? I'm a bit suspicious of what appears to be a low price so I will be careful.

Thanks

Check the expansion tank for oil, and the dipstick / oil filler cap for a creaminess (water mixing with the oil)

Check the gearbox in and out of every gear, listen for gearbox 'whine'.

Cant think of any reason why this wouldnt be a good buy if you are careful.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

83,000 miles...I think you can multiply that a few times...

motorguy

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

83,000 miles...I think you can multiply that a few times...

The add says "full service history" and only has two owners from new, which means the mileage would be easy checked?

Why would anyone clock an old rover?

somech

mondeos are far better cars at this price

t series engines are also common for head gaskets issues

rev_henry

Looks a tidy car from the ad. Very high spec as well. I have no idea about rovers really except the common conception that their not very good. If you buy it replace those tatty number plates and it'll look a lot smarter.

mollycat

Only 6 months MOT, no tax mentioned.

It's a 13 year old Rover!

For me, not good value at £550.

Much better, more reliable cars around at that price.