Rover Streetwise (2003 - 2005) 2.0TD SE (101ps) 5d (04) (2004/04) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Practical and knows a hidden gem and bargain.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Marmite: My wife thinks it's the world's most uncool car (she calls it the Put-Put); many others love the chunky sub-Land Rover look.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Discontinued but this is the forerunner/blueprint for many current SUVs. Dacia Stepways and Dusters are the modern equivalent. Entirely underrated but too late to save Rover.
What are you likely to buy next?
VW Passat CC or Audi A5 Coupe - a bit of a change.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£100,000
When did you buy the car?
November 2014
Did you get a good deal and why?
Big reduction on forecourt price: Very few people buy these unless bargain basement. One owner from new; clearly well looked after. At this price, there's a lot of junk about; just be careful and you'll get a gem.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Total practicality and value given undeserved lack of credibility.
What was the dealer like?
Keen to sell! But - unnecessarily - not totally honest: Did not change filter although they claimed they had (doing no favours in shrugging the Arthur Daley image for others - why do they do that?). But a very cheap car: £1700 forecourt price: paid £1200 inc. 3 year warranty. Overall buying 4/5: Value 5+, dealer 3.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The 2.0 TDI is flexible and astonishingly economical (500 to a tank...). It is happiest and most fun and able on fast (really) B roads. It is very tough up and down dirty country lanes too. Remember though that it is old school diesel so lacks the urgency of newer units: no slouch though. Disc brakes on the rear would have been useful.
What's it like to park?
Very easy: compact but tonnes of space. Lots of rubbing strips to fend off shopping trollies and the odd bump.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No, but common problems are: window glass can jump out of their frames (mine is on passenger side), wiring on rear hatch rubs and breaks. All easily fixed though.
What's most practical about your car?
Everything. The Land Rover sourced engine is superb; parts are everywhere: they're Honda Civic, Freelander and Rover 25 sourced. It's a Land Rover L Series engine so utterly reliable without the unnecessary 4x4.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Roof rails, lots of cubby holes, etc. Lights are astonishing (there's up to six on the front).
