Rover Metro and 100 (1990 – 1998) Review

Rover Metro and 100 (1990 – 1998) At A Glance

3/5

+A huge improvement over the original Metro, sweet-spinning K-Series engine, excellent ride quality, comfortable up-front

-Cramped for four, suffers from more rust than the original car, banger status for all but the very best

The Rover Metro was announced to the world by its maker by one simple word: 'Metromorphosis'. It might have looked like the original, but thanks to all-new K-Series engines under the bonnet and intelligent suspension modifications, the Metro emerged as a class-leading supermini in 1990. To drive, it really was a whole new ball game, with sweet-spinning engines, supple ride and Rover 200 seats up-front with a re-angled steering column, for a big-car driving position.

Seven years on, and the facelifted Rover 100 was shamed out of sale thanks to a poor performance in the EuroNCAP tests, which did their best to scare off all sane drvers. Rover never replaced the Metro/100, expecting buyers to plump for the 200 instead - which didn't really happen as it panned out. But the Metro and 100 are both still good to drive, and there's an enthusiastic following for this little car that should ensure that the best ones will make it through to classic car status. Interesting models are the GTI 16V and Cabriolet - these are already on the up.

Ask Honest John

How much is a 1995 Rover Metro worth?

"I have a 1995 Rover Metro GTA 1.4L 5dr hatchback which I want to sell. Mileage 37,284. I have full ownership and service history. The car belonged to my mother-in law from 1996 until 2015 when she gave it to us. It has been garaged for virtually all of its life and has a current MoT. It is a good little car and in generally good condition except that both rear wheel arches have rust. One is quite bad though not bad enough to fail the MoT and there is a rust hole of about 50p piece-sized on the inside of the front passenger side door frame. The body paintwork has some faded patches. I have looked up some similar cars online to get some idea of what to sell it for but they vary a lot and I don't know how much to discount for the rust? Can you advise?"
It's probably not worth a great deal, unfortunately. There is a bit of interest around Rover Metros as 'future classics' but they have to be pretty mint to make top money. We'd recommend selling it via an auction to help achieve a fair value - Anglia Car Auctions could be a good starting point. It might also be worth speaking to the Metro Owners' Club for advice.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What were the differences between a Rover Metro Rio and the Metro Rio Grande?

"What were the differences between a Rover Metro Rio and the Metro Rio Grande?"
According to the brochure, remote central locking, a sunroof and mud flaps.
Answered by Keith Moody

Where should I sell my 1990 Metro?

"I own a 1990-registration Metro 1.1-litre car, which is in immaculate condition, and has only done 38,000 miles. It has just passed its MoT test, and I now plan to sell it. I wonder if you could suggest possible outlets that could be interested in such a car. I have been unable to value the car on various websites because of its age, and I would appreciate your comments."
Our Classics expert, Keith Adams, responded: “To be honest, it's not low mileage or special enough to warrant insertion in a classic car auction and, because of their buyer profile when new, low mileage, immaculate Metro/100s are not unusual. I'd put a £995 advert on Car and Classic, Autotrader, or eBay Classifieds. It'll sell like that without too much grief.”
Answered by Honest John
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