Up until last year I did not really have an interest in Rover cars. I liked the Land Cruisers but never really considered owning a Rover. I have been driving for only two years and passed my test last year. My first car was a Nissan Micra and it was in this car that I passed my test. A month later we were offered a deal by Rover whereby we were given 25% discount on any of the Rover 25 models. I could not resist the offer. It was not my ideal choice but the discount on offer was a good incentive.I chose this particular 25 because the price was good and I was given three years service and warranty. I could not fault that.

A month after purchasing the car and while on my way back from a trip to Bristol I heard a terrible knocking sound in the engine. I slowed down for about a mile or so then decided I had better stop and call the Rover Assistance. They arrived within the hour only to tell me I would have to be towed back to my home as it was beyond roadside repair. The car was taken to Rover the next day and I was given a courtesy car until they found out what the problem was.

On return to Rover the next day I was told they have to totally replace the engine as the camshaft was faulty! I was horrified to hear and Rover were really apologetic (and embarrassed). The engine was replaced and I picked up the car after a couple of days.

A year later and I have to say the car has been brilliant. Many of you will be shocked that this could happen to a new car but I must have just been the unlucky one (unless you know of others this has happened to).

All this been said, I am happy with the car. It is reliable, economical, comfortable (for the driver) and very smooth and quiet to drive. It is dark blue in colour and if I do regret anything, it is choosing this colour. I really wished I had chosen the champagne coloured one as that has a lot of appeal. The back passengers could also benefit from more leg room.The Stereo system is proabably
its worst feature.

I have no real complaints about the car and given the circumstances, I would buy this car again. However, in saying that, I am looking to change it after three years as I want a Golf GTI. I did my bit to support Rover - ok the discount is what really influenced me, and I have had good year with it despite the major problem within the first month.

This car has been all over England since changing the engine and I intend to take it abroad in the summer. It now has 10.000 miles on the clock and I have had to do nothing to it. It has just had its first year service and it did not require much attention. Just the usual yearly checkup. I would recommend the car for first/second time buyers but make sure you take your time to choose the features you really want. Mine has a cassette radio and now I want a CD player instead. I chose blue but want Champagne. These may be small issues but take them seriously if you intend keeping the car for a while. The Rover 25 is a good car and I would recommend it to others but only at the discounted price.