Rover Cabriolet (1992 - 1999)
By Andy Enright
Amazing as it seems, the Rover Cabriolet really did live on to 1999. Based on the Series II Rover 200, which in turn was based on the Honda Ballade, the Cabriolet always needed a refracting telescope to spot the cutting edge, but it was nevertheless an amiable mode of perambulation. Given that most cabriolet owners are undemanding sorts, can a used Rover ragtop be forgiven its somewhat antiquated underpinnings? It certainly makes more sense as a used buy than it ever did new
The Rover Cabriolet is something of an oddity. Its not sufficiently stylish to rival the admittedly more expensive Peugeot 306 Cabriolet, but it has a relaxed personality that makes it a refreshingly mature alternative to the increasingly hard-edged convertibles that were borne from the roadster boom of the mid-nineties. Whereas sport-oriented Rover buyers opted for the MGF, the Rover Cabriolet was left to plough a mellower furrow, thus ensuring that few used examples will have been thrashed to within an inch of their lives. Space in the rear is reasonable, although headroom is a tad pinched with the hood down.
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It was never particularly modern in the first place, so its best to think of it as the fast track to entertainingly nostalgic obsolescence. Viewed in this manner, it has a certain period charm that shouldnt really appeal in a car built as recently as 1999 but somehow manages to worm its way into your affections. Competent? Not really. Loveable? Yes
Prices start for post-96 models start at just over £1,600 for a 1996 N-registered Rover Cabriolet, with a 1997 R plated car retailing at £2,000 and the last of the 1999 T-plated examples fetching around £3,800. Opt for the slightly plusher SE specification and youll need £50 extra. Insurance for the base model is Group 11, whilst an SE nudges into Group 12.
Older cars may have some rust bubbles on the sills and wheelarches, as these areas were renowned water traps in all 200 models. The K-series engine is reliable, if a touch vocal, although you must make sure the cam belt has been replaced every 50,000 miles. Likewise, change the oil and filters at every 5,000-mile interval. Cabriolets arent common and your best bet may be the back of an MG Rover dealership.
The hood tends to be quite hardwearing, but bear in mind that most convertibles parked on street will, sooner or later, have an appointment with a Stanley knife. Check for signs of damage repair or paint fading and also that the electric motors on the SEs hood are still in good condition. Otherwise, the Rover Cabriolet is fairly vice-free. With such a rare car its always tempting to buy the first you find, but the quality of examples we viewed was highly variable and it pays to do your homework, look at a few and bargain hard.
(approx based on a 1996 Cabriolet - exc VAT) A clutch assembly will be around £190. An alternator is about £250 and brake pads around £75 each. A headlamp is around £75, a full exhaust system (excluding the catalyst) would cost you about £250, an alternator can be between £120 and £250 with an exchange varying from £70-£150, a starter motor £135 and a front headlamp £75.
Treat the Rover Cabriolet as a cut-price entry into the Alfa GTV Spider league and reality will land on you rather abruptly. As a sports soft top, the Rover just doesnt cut the mustard, the K-series engine not feeling overtly sporty, and the chassis is as youd expect from a sawn-off coupe slightly shaky and wobbly over road imperfections. If you prefer the back-to-nature joys of open-top motoring without the need to constantly check whos looking at you, the Rover is a joy. Performance is fairly impressive, the 1.
6-litre engine hauling the heavy car to 60mph in 9.6 seconds, making it quicker to 60 than a 2.0-litre Peugeot 306 Convertible or, for that matter, a 1.6-litre Renault Megane Convertible.
Surprised? The Rover Cabriolet can lift its skirts when it has to
If youre after a well-built cabriolet with a decent engine, inbuilt period charm and space for four, £5,000 doesnt buy you a whole lot. The Rover makes a pleasantly classy choice for those not looking to keep up with the Joneses? Cant afford an Audi TT Roadster? Wed recommend an aluminium-finished Smeg fridge-freezer instead. Bank balance wont run to a low-mileage Jaguar XJS-C? The Rover Cabriolet could just spring a surprise.
