Rover 25/ ZR Diesels any good?

[MSS]

I can definitely recommend a 45td. I had the 113HP variant and from memory covered around 21k miles in 18 months. It's now owned by member Mystabe.

I would definitely have another L-series powered car. It is a robust, reliable engine that costs very little to maintain.

[Randyjim]

My Wifes ZR Diesel went through 200k this year. She's had it since new and it's been largely trouble free.

Needed a bit of welding to the cills for the last MOT, but otherwise it's not caused any major (expensive) trouble and has only stranded her once, at home with a flat battery.
It's a bit harsh and noisy compared to my ZT190, but most things are.

It would be a good cheap car if you find the right one.

[myfirstrover]

I had the L series diesel in my 620 , good engine and gave no problems at all , it was the rest of the car that let it down

[mileshawk56]

THe rover L series diesel was one of the best at the time, fitted to the 200/400/600 series and fact more efficient than later "modern" engines. I'm not sure if it was fitted to the 25/etc or if that was a Pug engine. The car will be no worse than any other make of that age. If your lucky you could get a 216Gsi 1999 as per herindoors which has no rust but watch the area of tail gate hinges as mentioned. Chris S.

[mystabe]

Originally Posted by mss

I can definitely recommend a 45td. I had the 113HP variant and from memory covered around 21k miles in 18 months. It's now owned by member Mystabe.

I would definitely have another L-series powered car. It is a robust, reliable engine that costs very little to maintain.

They are actually rather brilliant cars, the L series engine isn't as refined as the 75's (and it takes a bit of getting used to as it drives more like a petrol engine than a diesel) but it's one of those cars that does 50mpg whether you drive it like a grandad or as if you just stole it. It's a pretty comfortable/nice place to be as well

[steve-45]

Originally Posted by mileshawk56

I'm not sure if it was fitted to the 25/etc or if that was a Pug engine. Chris S.

It was the "L series" in the 25 & 45 TD's ........

[Rob72]

I had the L series in a freelander, damn good engines.

[LeRich]

Originally Posted by Rob72

I had the L series in a freelander, damn good engines.

Yes it is. It's nowhere near as refined as the M47R but is more reliable and, in the 25 and 45, more economical and quicker.

The 25 is a decent small car but will always disappoint if stepping out of a 75 into one for obvious reasons. Personally I think the K-series is a better match to the 25, with the 45 a better fit for the L as it's a big heavy lump that needs a suitable frame to house it.

Like all MGRs, the 25 has its common faults but they are generally reliable and are simple to maintain and repair. As with the 75, the earlier 25s and 45s are better built (the 200s and 400s better still but not as sharp to drive) as Project Drive ravaged the cars. Facelift cars are far more modern but have flakier electrics c/o Pektron.

[Lordy]

Hiya all Many thanks for your feed back on this.

I'm looking at other diesels as well, I'm not going too spend silly on one in the end of the days its just a works car and nothing more.

But trying too find a 25 diesel for sale, There not that many of them about, More 1.4 and 1.6 and 1.8 keep popping up.

But hardly any diesels.

[LeRich]

Originally Posted by Lord Rover

But hardly any diesels.

The 1.4 petrol is by far the most common engine. The diesels were relatively expensive new and don't offer sufficiently better fuel economy to offset the difference in list price. Plus the 1.4 is far sweeter.