USED Rover 25 Hatchback (99 - 05)

My car

Introduction: I bought this car after it was involved in an accident, it is a Y reg. So I am in a good position to comment on costs of parts and availability, quite simply they are very easy to find and cheap. It has had a MLS head gasket put on so head gasket issues should no longer occur, also I have fitted a uprated Viton inlet manifold gasket, this is a cause of HGF. It uses no coolant or oil at all and runs sweet as a nut, 40MPG can easily achieved. Insurance is cheap.

Engine & transmission: The engine has 103BHP and it is a gem of an engine, it revs freely and from 4500-7000 RPM the car really pulls like a train and the engine sounds delicious. When cruising around the engine is silent, you do wonder if it is still on, but when you put your foot down you get a nice throaty induction roar. The gearbox has a positive change, it has the R65 gearbox, the only issues is that the clutch bite is quite high and reverse is difficult to engage when cold.

Handling & comfort: The car steers brilliantly, there is plenty of feel and the steering is well weighted, the car feels stable and corners really well. The ride is superb, it is very smooth, but firm enough so that it has a sporty edge to it.

Practicality: The boot is huge especially with the seats folded, I am 5 foot 10 and I find there is lots of leg/knee & headroom, more so then the new Ford Focus, the new Focus is bigger and very cramped. The driving position is good, but the seat could be too high for some.

My car

I have owned a 2004 Rover 25 Sxi for 2 years now, I think its a great looking car with the new front and back bumpers and new head lamps. My car is realy good on fuel and is lovely to drive. THE ONLY RESION WHY THE HEAD GASKET GOES ITS THAT YOU NEED TO CHANGE IT AROUND 65,000. IF YOU DO THAT THEN YOU WONT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, so get the head gasket done before it goes and you will have a great car.

My car

I feel that the Rover 25 get's a lot of stick, and quite rightly so in some ways, but it's a decent little runner. Okay, so the cabin trim is a bit dull, and the quality is a bit suspect, i.e. rattles etc., but it's economical, tax band C, and a decent car to drive. Because it's only small but relatively wide it holds the road well, however it's no sport machine of course! To be honest, I've had this car for almost a year, and touch wood I've had no major problems with it, and if something sis need replacing, the parts are reasonably cheap, and there are plenty of them. This car makes a great everyday runabout - fact.

My car

"A nice learner drivers car and one of my best cars I have seen around shame they dont make them anymore"