Rover Metro 1.4 Diesel

[Station]

Hi all

I've seen this on Gumtree:

 

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-moto ... 1011191630

 

I like the Metro, I had a GTi that never saw much road action and I liked how it handled and the interior felt nice and comfy - I'll never find another standard GTi though.

I read the 1.4 diesel uses the Peugeot/Citroen engine (14XUD?). It seems quite cheap, I love that shape Metro, and I'm not bothered about speed (I know they're slow).

 

Basically, would it be a good idea to buy this in theory, seeing as I don't want a small French car, but like the engines in them. It also says it's a turbo diesel - did these ever come with a turbo?

[Lacquer Peel]

It's an all alloy TUD3, they were never fitted with a turbo.

 

There's a road test on Trigger's road test photostream, even by early 1990s diesel standards the performance is dour.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/triggersca ... 263741766/

[dollywobbler]

Might just the crap photo, but it looks like the suspension is in dire need of a pump-up. They're not bad motors - quite stupidly economical. Watch that rear arch rot.

[shedvan]

Pretty sure its the 1.5 that was in the AX/106/Saxo around that time too, super-frugal but not quick, not even slightly.

[Formula Autos]

There was a 1.4 - I had a 106 with it. Even in something so small and light, it was underpowered. The 1.5 is basically the same engine, same economy, but more torquey and smooth and much, much, better (even sans turbo). I seem to recall seeing Metros with 115d badges on them, and I'd imagine they're the ones to have.

[dollywobbler]

I thought the move to the 1.5 unit co-incided with the change to Rover 100 naming, so you get a Metro 1.4D but a Rover 115d. The larger engine is apparently considered much better, but I prefer the looks of the Metro to the 100. This thread has made me realise how long it was since I last saw a K-series era Metro.

[andrew e]

I was a potential purchaser of one of these when new. Oddly the Rover had a far higher ratio gearbox than the AX or the 106, that was the reason it was slow

 

I wonder if PSA stipulated it?

[Station]

Think the gearbox is also PSA - it was on the MGF's anyway.

[M'coli]

I had one 10 years ago, it was a great laugh. Capable enough once up to speed, but don't ask it to get there quickly. As DW says, have a look at the rear suspension, for not only does it look as if it needs pumping up but it also looks like it needs new radius arm bearings too.

[trigger]

I used to own a L reg 106 1.4D which shared the same engine, It was amazing good on fuel but like everyone else said, it's painfully slow, If you need to get somewhere quickly then forget it, and buy a good stereo as the engine's so loud you can't heard yourself think, that said i never had any problems with it expect for a driveshaft.

 

I'd go for a 1.5 Diesel version myself for the extra oomph.

[Alexg]

With Metro prices on the up I don't think you can go wrong at that money. Plus it'll cost peanuts to run and insure. As mentioned the suspension looks at though it needs a pump-up, and some garages charge the earth (quoted £60 + vat per side before!). Join the owners club and there's bound to be a member with a pump in a 20 mile radius who'll do it for a beer.

[Albert Ross]

As a comparison between the 1360 and the 1527, there's more than just extra power in it... The 1400 was a notorious HGF/Liner seals killer, but the 1500 stayed together a lot better. Fuel filters are a pain in the arse.... I had the 1500 in a 106.... almost got a speeding ticket on the M18 with that one.... Recommended wholeheartedly.

[Timewaster]

I had a hideous kingfisher blue Rover 100 Kensington 1.5 Diesel.

I agreed to buy it on a friday night in the pub after a few too many.

Same pub, next night I asked the guy what colour it was, he refused to comment!

 

Apologies for the awful phone pic. Was cutting edge stuff in 2006!

 

The Diesel rattle on start up was really funny, it just didnt sound right coming from a Metro.

Like when the asian guy at the takeaway turns out to have a cockney accent!

 

I paid £50 for it, got an mot with a bit of welding and bodging, used it as a mobile skip for 6 months and sold it for £350

I think I only filled it up with diesel 2 or 3 times, the gauge never seemed to move.

 

Performance was difficult to quantify, it was bloody noisey so probably felt and sounded like you were going faster than you really were.

 

It was the best car and at the same time the very worst car I ever owned.

[RichardMoss]

Does anyone know if it's easy to fit the 1.5 engine to a 1.4? Not that I own a diesel, just a mk1 MG and a Rover 111, just idle thoughts!

[jonathan_dyane]

Does anyone know if it's easy to fit the 1.5 engine to a 1.4? Not that I own a diesel, just a mk1 MG and a Rover 111, just idle thoughts!

 

I don't know about the Metro, but certainly in the AX and 106 there were fundemental differences between the 1.4 and 1.5, including even a differently geared steering rack. The 1.4 is nice and light because it is all ally (hence big problems when it overheats) whereas the 1.5 has a cast iron block and is far heavier.

 

Top tip! If you have a 1.4 drill a hole in the thermostat flange to prevent thermal shock leading to OMG kaos! Also as per Kettle series keep an eye on radiator condition and don't run out of water...