have owned a 414 from new since 1998.

This is probably not typical, but I've had to do the following:
(1) first time I washed it in 1998 the Rover badges washed off. HAd to be replaced with "better glue".

(2) 1999 - the throttle body started sticking on at high revs. A bit worrying for pedestrians at zebra crossings, and made for a bumpy ride when coming off a motorway at high speed. Took it to the local dealers (three times) - they didn't fix it. In fact they made it worse. A mate of mine at Rover said it's a well-known design fault with the K series engine. The official Rover line was that it's very rare.

(3) 2003 - Head Gasket replaced twice within 1 year. V. Expensive, both times.

(4) 2002 - Gearbox started grinding and then seized in the middle of the high street - very embarrassing. Replaced. That was expensive.

(5) 2004 - Exhaust manifold replaced

(6) 2004 - Alternator replaced - twice

(7) 2000 - Drivers electric window mechanism broken. Apparently due to operating it when in freezing conditions. So bare that in mind!

(8) 2000 - 2004 : Blower fan broken and replaced three times.

(9) 2000 - 2004 : Battery replaced 4 times

(10) 2003: Throttle body finally replaced using the Rover kit that they finally made

(11) 2000 - 2004 : Various rear lighting cluster lights sometimes stop working for no obvious reason

(12) 2003 : Power Steering reservoir hose sprung a leak