Rover 25 Review (1999 to 2005)

Quick Summary

The Rover 25 was initially vilified as a Rover 200 with a big grille. Whilst that point of view is understandable, it ignores three crucial facts. Firstly, the Rover 200 series had developed into a very fine range of cars. Secondly, additional chassis work had taken place on the 25 to bring the cooking models up to the old 200vi's handling standards. Thirdly, Rover's repositioning of the car had propelled a middle-order family hatch to somewhere near the top of the supermini class. A used Rover 25 allows you to take advantage of Rover's aggressive pricing policy to land the most distinguished supermini around at a knockdown price. Look for low-mileage nearly new examples and see how much you can save.

Overall:

Models Covered:(3/5 dr hatchback 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 petrol 2.0 diesel [base, E, L, S, GTi, il, iE, iXL, Si, SEi, SXi, Impression, Impression S])

GRAND ROVER DISCOVERY?

The Rover 25 is a slightly modernised version of the successful 200 range. With its corporate grille and tightened up suspension, the 25 aims to appeal to a younger and more dynamic group of buyers than the 200 ever did. More realistic pricing from new helped the 25's cause, and has also made it an interesting used buy. For buyers who don't want the last word in technology or a cavernous interior the Rover 25 is worth a look. It certainly carries a bit more gravitas than a Ford Fiesta or a Fiat Punto.
Used Rover 25 for sale

History of the 25

When the Rover 25 was unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1999 the key change to the car was not anything physical, it was more the market positioning. Previously the 200 series had tried to compete against larger cars like the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus, but Rover had seen the light, pitching the new 25 against Fiesta and Corsa sized offerings. Here it was at an immediate advantage, feeling bigger and more substantial than its immediate rivals.Available with two body styles, four petrol engines, one diesel and with five different trim levels to choose from, there's a wide array of variants, but the choices are quite logical. Base, E and L trim levels were available with the 1.4i 8-valve engine, L and S trim levels with the 1.4i 16-valve and 1.6-litre engines and E, L and S trim designations offered with the 2.0-litre turbodiesel. All models, even the 1.8 GTi were available in three or five-door body types.A round of styling changes brought in during the summer of 2004 did much to modernise the 25's appearance. The sharper twin-lens headlamps were the key feature at the front while the tailgate featured bold 'ROVER' lettering in chrome and a 25 badge. Inside, four circular air vents were added at the top of the dash. Other changes include a beefed-up locking and security system as well as a series of tweaks to brakes, steering and pedal positioning. Trim levels were revised to i, Si, SEi, and SXi.The 25 soldiered on into 2005 with yet more trim options. GLi, GSi and GXi badged cars were added to the line up featuring leather upholstery and wood finishes to try and emphasise the 25's 'Britishness' and 'classy' appeal. The 25 ceased to be in 2005 with the demise of MG Rover.
Used Rover 25 for sale

Rover 25 Road Test

A change in product positioning makes the Rover 25 one of the most impressive offerings in the supermini class. Whereas when it campaigned against VW Golfs and Ford Focuses it felt slightly underwhelming, moving down a weight has made a lot of difference. The 25 always was a good drive, but now it brings its talents to bear on more lightweight opposition. The impression of solidity ids helped by the firm steering and well-planted ride. The K-series engine thrives on revs, but the engine note is never intrusive, except in the GTi, a car whose aural accompaniment justifies the badge. The gearchange on all models is very smooth, and handling is safe and compliant without ever feeling boring. It doesn't offer the same chuckable joie de vivre of a Fiat Punto or Citroen Saxo, but it's still better than its rather staid image may suggest. The most popular 1.4 16v model reaches 60mph in 9.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 115mph, whilst the GTi will cover the sprint in 7.8 seconds, topping out at 124mph. Even the 2.0-litre turbo diesel models manage a sub-10 second time to sixty mph.
Used Rover 25 for sale

Buying a Rover 25

The Rover 25, being largely based on proven Rover 200-series mechanicals has yet to show any significant failings. It's a truism that it has also been bought by a large number of more mature customers, racy GTi model notwithstanding. Given that this clientele are less likely to drive the 25 in the manner in which a Fiat Punto or Peugeot 206 is often driven, which might waste the chassis development work that BMW undertook, but means good news for the used buyer. Check that the servicing work has been done, that there's no accident damage and you should be able to land a decent car.
Used Rover 25 for sale

Rover 25 Typical Pricing

There aren't too many used examples of the Rover 25 in the dealer network, but numbers are on the up. Prices start at around £2,025 for a 1.4i three-door on a 1999 V-plate, with the more common 1.4iL retailing at around £2,250. A 1.6iS model will fetch around £2,725 on a 2000 W-plate. Diesel prices start at £2,375 for the 25 2.0TD on a 99V plate in iE trim. Another £100 secures iL spec. Insurance valuations for the Rover 25 range between Groups 4 and 7 for the mainstream models before jumping to Group 14 for the GTi models.
Used Rover 25 for sale

Rover 25 Parts

(approx. based on 25 1.4 E) For most parts the prices are quite reasonable and worth the money. Expect to pay around £95 for a full clutch assembly, £485 for a full exhaust system (including the catalyst), around £80 for a headlamp and up to £115 for a radiator.Brake pads should cost about £55 for the front and £50 for the rear, an alternator is around £175 and a starter motor around £140.
Used Rover 25 for sale