2002
Manual
40.9 mpg
Tax: £290
Mileage: 63,000
Petrol
2004
Automatic
Tax: n/a
Mileage: 68,000
The Rover 45 took over where the old 400 series left off. With a new-look corporate grille, revised driving characteristics and aimed squarely at the middleweight VW Golf/Ford Focus axis, the Rover 45 is a more tightly marketed proposition than the 400 range. In many respects the 45 range is two distinct series of cars, the five-door hatches which are badged using the same standards as the 25 and the luxurious four-door saloons, badged like junior Rover 75s. Whichever choice you make, a used Rover 45 is a good way to get a nearly new car for thousands less than the new list price.
The Rover 45 isn't the most technologically impressive or dynamically able car in its class. It doesn't have bold styling or a slick interior. Compared to a Ford Focus, the 45 feels about seven years older - not surprising given its 400-series roots. If you feel that this makes it a bad car, then think again. The 45 has a very specific blend of qualities which appeal to those with an appreciation of value and presence. On any objective measure you wouldn't call the 45 class-leading, but as a used buy it scores in terms of value for money, charm and ease of use. You're getting a lot of metal for your money and it those conservative lines will date better than many more extremely styled rivals. Given that many owners keep their 45s for a number of years, perhaps that's no bad thing.
Borrow £6,000 with £1,000 deposit over 48 months with a representative APR of 18.1%, monthly payment would be £172.36, with a total cost of credit of £2,273.28 and a total amount payable of £9,273.28.
