Rover 25 (1999 - 2005) 1.4 iL (103ps) 3d (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that I am not a sheep, I want to be different to the normal boring VW, Ford & Vauxhall white good owners. It says I have style and I have done well in my life due to the premium look of it.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like it, they think it handles well, goes well, quiet and comfortable with its MG ZR seats. They say it looks stunning and aggressive with its low stance and GTi grill.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes because it is cheap to run, fun to drive, practical and with a gem of an engine.

What are you likely to buy next?

Rover 25 TD.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£250

When did you buy the car?

November 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes & no ~ my car was a very cheap buy for its age and mileage, but I have spent over £1000 because it was written off when I bought it, it was a project car.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a project car and Rovers are cheap to buy and easy to get parts for. They also drive very well and are reliable.

What was the dealer like?

N/A

What's it like to drive?

Superb, it handles with poise and controllability, the steering is sharp with lots of feel and the steering is beautifully weighted. It rides quite harsh, but it has MG ZR suspension, but it used to ride superb with 25 suspension. The 25 chassis set up (suspension) is still very good, much better then the current and previous Corsa. The engine is a gem, it sounds lovely, it revs freely and is very quiet when cruising. 4500-7000RPM you get allot of power, but big fuel consumption. It makes a nice throaty induction roar with an exhaust rasp. The gearbox is very smooth, but the bite is a bit high and reverse is hard to engage when cold.

What's it like to park?

Very easy, good visibility and good turning circle.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes the original engine was broken, it had a porus cylinder head and the block was scrap ~ liners moved around. That is it though. It has a MLS gasket so I should have no issues with Head gasket again I hope.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot space and rear legroom. Even the New Ford Focus has less room.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The rear wiper comes on automatically when the front wipers are on and reverse is engaged. Electric windows are brilliant and the BMW/Rover Blaupunkt CD player is excellent.