THE Rover 45 design may be a bit long in the tooth now but they are still good to drive and there are plenty of quality, low mileage examples still out there for very small money.

Spares are still good supply and there are plenty of smaller garages which are happy to fix them reasonably if they go wrong.

Choose from saloon or five door hatchback, but be very picky.

There are plenty to choose from and many with the full service history you need, quite often with only one or two owners.

They have a comfortable ride and good handling, with strong grip and not much roll, making them fun to drive.

Engines range up from a 1.4 with 101bhp through a 1.6 with 107bhp to a 1.8 with 117bhp and a 2.0-litre V6 with 150bhp. Diesels are both 2.0-litre, with either 99 or 111bhp

The diesels are reasonably smooth and quiet and the petrols are all smooth and tuneful.

There is an up-market quality feel inside which the company made all its own in the smaller car market.

There is wood veneer, good power steering, a slick gearchange and an easy clutch and many have leather. The only drawback is a driving position which does not suit all.