Sad to say I now have to own up and admit that I just can't do most of the work needed to properly repair/maintain the car anymore. Well I can, but then suffer consequences for too long afterwards. So I'm having to give up my lovely old Rover. (See for sale forum)
Good news is that I've got another one! Found this (see pic). 130k miles, sound and clean as can be, no rust, leaks, clunks or rattles. And more to the point nothing needing doing on it just now. Same age as old one so I've got Nanocom and spares etc. to suit.
It is supposedly an 'SE'. Hard to see just what spec level difference that is from the old one apart from 18in wheels and black and silver ovals, not green!
Anyway, I'm really pleased with it. Just a bit sad, and concerned that the old one will go to a good home.

Special edition with silver badges?
cup holders that actually fit cups??

I’m glad. For minute thought you were going to say you’d bought a V8

Said I was getting old, not rich! I can nearly afford to run this one!
It averages around 30mpg which is really good and better than the old one...

plumbfisher said:

Said I was getting old, not rich! I can nearly afford to run this one!
It averages around 30mpg which is really good and better than the old one...

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30mg on the dash? Either it has a power box which distorts the dash reading or pedals, I'd bet if you do a brim to brim check it's not doing anywhere near 30mpg

I've been surprised too. Brim to brim on a motorway trip showed 32.4. Round the houses 28.6.

What is your view of 18in wheels over 16s?
I think I prefer 16s (a bit more rubber between wheel and road?)
or is it just a styling thing?

plumbfisher said:

I've been surprised too. Brim to brim on a motorway trip showed 32.4. Round the houses 28.6.

What is your view of 18in wheels over 16s?
I think I prefer 16s (a bit more rubber between wheel and road?)
or is it just a styling thing?

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Both mine are on 18" wheels but personally I think the 16's ride better.
It does seem that there are big variations in performance on the M51,I have one P38 that feels quite slow compared to the other but has averaged 24mpg brim to brim over 12 years, the other is quicker but only manages 22mpg. Best I have seen is 30mpg cruising at 60 on the autoroute.