1999 Rover - Austin 75 Club SE review from UK and Ireland

The car suffered from occasional starting problems. Eventually it got to the stage where it would start from cold, but not from hot. A replacement cam sensor seems to have cured the fault for a very reasonable price compared to the cost of parts for some other makes.

The 6-disc CD multi-changer jammed. Luckily it was easy to repair.

Other than that it has just been a question of regular routine maintenance.

The 2.0 litre V6 petrol engine is exceptionally smooth and refined, and is generally very quiet except when worked hard when it produces a very satisfying roar!

The car is not exactly sluggish, but the best acceleration comes at anything over 4000rpm - you can really feel the nose lift as the car takes off!

The car is very solid, well built and heavy to drive even with power steering. However I have to say it does make you feel that you are having to really drive the vehicle - something you don't get in many modern cars.

The interior is one of the best designs I know. The sepia-tinted oval dials and burr walnut effect trim give an air of real British class. As for the exterior, the smooth flowing lines and chrome trim really do look good. Even young people appreciate the classy elegance of this car.

Fuel consumption is not the best particularly with regard to town driving, but I suppose this is only to be expected from a V6 engine in a heavy car.

The back seats could do with more legroom, and the person in the middle back seat has to be very short otherwise their head gets pushed into the roof! However those travelling in the front enjoy unrivaled comfort.

The best car I have owned since getting rid of my first one - a 1986 Renault 18 GTS Deauville.