Rover experiences
Sir,
Having been a reader of your magazine for many years and becoming the influence it has—for good or bad—I feel I must put in a word for the Rover 2000—criticised in the correspondence “Unhappy Motoring,” page 212. March 1966.
My own 2000 has done many more miles than Mr. Marchants’ since last August and I have nothing but praise for it. Its finish and performance are first class and it is little wonder that more and more of them are seen on our roads. I do not see how the choke handle (?) takes the skin off one’s finger, but you can certainly drive far, fast and safely.
I hope this acts as a rebuttal to the criticism of a fine car.
Wakefield, J.C. Christie.
Sir,
The letter from C.K. Stone re Rover experiences (March issue) was of great interest to me, because I, too, have been finally disillusioned about the “quality” we hear so much about.
After costly and nerve-shattering experiences of two previous British cars, the write-up of the Rover 2000 in Motor Sport, combined with an ambition to go “Rover,” and also to avert a repetition of the familiar new car troubles, prompted me to purchase a Rover 2000 in May 1964.
Like your correspondent, after 26 years’ motoring and with an engineering background, “running in” was rigorously carried out and care applied over a much longer period than that specified.
However, disillusionment soon followed in the wake of engine knock, noisy gearbox, clutch judder, brake squeal, the noisiest wipers I have ever known, steering wheel knock (on the indicator switch ?), and various squeaks from the rear.
Rover service was excellent, and within 5,000 miles and three trips to their London depot, much of the original car was replaced. Subsequently, a top radiator hose burst only an hour before I was due at a dinner/dance engagement! The indicator switch broke, a plug went dead and the wiper’s operating cable broke on a wet and dirty night trip to the Midlands—this was the first time in 26 years’ motoring that a trip had to be abandoned! Vision for the return trip home was obtained by a Heath Robinson arrangement of string attached to the wiper blades via the front quarter lights! And now? After only 7,000 miles, the engine still clatters on start up! The boot. however, holds a large box of assorted tools, string, tape, mats, a large roll of kitchen paper, a pair of gloves, a torch, many rolls of tape, wire, etc, etc., because every journey is a journey into the unknown, and I must be ready!
Finally, Sir, when replacement time comes round, doubtless you can guess my reactions now that I have proved that quality of workmanship no longer exists in this country. Most important of all, it has been very hard on my pocket and nerves, and for me “pleasure” motoring is an illusion!
Potters Bar. H.K. Phillips.