My old one I bought at a year old, ex rental, cheap, obviously sha...
err... not run in properly, doubtless a dog.

After I'd put another 100,000 miles or so on it I decided it was
probably too much trouble as it needed a new radiator (leaking) and wear
on the original clutch, shown by biting point, indicated that was going
to need doing soon.  Also the CV joint boots had failed again;  it looks
as though the cheap split boots you can get that don't require you to
dismantle the joints to fit don't last more than a year or so (unlike
the originals, which had done 8 years/80,000 miles)  I'd also add that
the engine was a bit rattlier around the cam than when it was new.
Would still red-line happily, and give me over 40MPG in commuting.  In
fact the summer before it had taken the entire family all the way to the
Nurburgring (but not around it, for lack of insurance) including a good
bit of Autobahn.

Apart from the above faults, it had needed:  Routine services; tyres;
brake pads; a few bulbs and a starter motor.  It was on the original
exhaust, cat, and battery.  I sold it to a crap yard for 50 quid;  I was
slightly miffed to find that it had been re-registered and is still on
the road, it *was* worth repairing despite my doubts!

I feel quite happy in buying a replacement with 50,000 miles on it for
40% of the new price, and I can be quite sure (touch wood) that it'll
last me the three years until my youngest finishes university and I no
longer need a family car.

Rover?  Well, I don't have a barge pole, so I won't try to touch it with
one.

Andy