Thoughts on the Rover p4 ?

[SteveandKelly]

As suggested by the subject heading does anyone have experience with these cars that they would like to pass on ? Had a drive in one and it was a real joy to drive, that huge bonnet is quite a sight when you're sat behind the steering wheel and the ride is superb !
The reason I'm asking is that an opportunity has arisen to acquire one at below normal price (According to price range stated in Classic car buyer) and I'm sorely tempted !! I would imagine the problems would be the usual suspects (Rust etc) , spares are out there but a lot dearer than for the Moggie.
Any help or guidance would be much appreciated, if all of you say walk away and bank the money it would be great !!! . As I said,I am very,very tempted.......

[RobMoore]

I would say if it is below price for its condition and in reasonable order with test and you can afford it then go for it.
Keep it till spring and tidy it up over the winter then move it on for a profit.

[Jefftav]

Apologies if I sound disrespectful but sometimes cars are priced cheaply to sell because the seller knows there is work required and they don't want to do it. The old adage buyer beware is important so have the vehicle checked over by someone competent and who doesn't have rose tinted specs it might cost you but then you might be glad of it later on. I'm sure you work hard for your money so don't be rushed into parting with it

I think they are constucted really well but when rust takes hold it is a quite a job to repair properly (This is what I am told, I have no 1st hand experience of this). That said Rover P4's are really nice cars to drive and they do have a very solid feel about them so if it is a good deal go for it and enjoy the experience. Oh and post pics so we can all share your happiness.

[bmcecosse]

I passed my test in our Rover 105S - the twin carb 'sporty' version of the 90 - fitted with overdrive. Lovely cars - but not light on fuel - and rust can be a problem although some panels are aluminium. And of course - suicide rear doors which are suddenly back in fashion! Which model are you being tempted with ?

[mike.perry]

As long as you know what you are letting yourself in for and you have a healthy bank balance then go for it

[PSL184]

Excellent cars as long as you don't mind pottering along at a fairly sedate pace (they weren't nicknamed "Aunties" for nothing) and you will find spares are hellishly expensive compared to the Minor (and most other Rovers for that matter). "IF" I was buying a Rover I would look at a P6 2000TC - I've had many P6's and they are hard to beat as all rounders.....

[bmcecosse]

The 105S wasn't slow - wasn't long after my test when my Father heard that I had let slip that it would do an indicated 117 mph on the A8 to Edinburgh......After that - I didn't get to drive it anymore on my own......Had to make do with my Morris 8E.

[SteveandKelly]

Thanks everyone for the input. I don't know much about these cars, had a sneak peek on the owners website and the problems with the p4 seem to be the same as we have with the Morris. As you say PSL, spares are astronomical compared to ours ! Rob, I couldn't buy it just to sell on in the Spring, I must be the worlds worst salesman and would not make a profit at all ! Good advice from Mike and Jeff too,all gratefully accepted and taken on board.
It's the 95 Roy so no overdrive sadly.Still wasn't a better diff fitted to compensate for motorway cruising ? I feel a little guilty about considering this car as the money is what we have saved up for the second Moggie. Wanted to keep the Traveller as a daily drive but have something for High Days and Holidays, a nice convertible perhaps...
Anyway thanks again and we'll see what the outcome is of all this heresy and blasphemy...

[mike.perry]

I am sure that a P4 will be excellent company for your Traveller, besides there will be no temptation to rob parts off one car to keep the other going.

[bmcecosse]

I'm pretty sure the later 95 will have overdrive............. But I can thoroughly recommend a TR7 if you want an affordable convertible with affordable spares supplies too! Half the fuel consumption of that P4 - and every bit as fast too......

[mike.perry]

And corners on rails!

[Kevin]

Sounds like a good car but as mentioned I think the town fuel consumtion struggles to reach 20 mpg.

[ASL642]

aah memories! My grandfather was hooked on P4's. I remember as a child sitting on the bench frontseat. The smell of woolly carpets, wood polish and leather seats. It seemed to float along the road, no road noise inside and you couldn't even hear the engine running. Buy it and enjoy I'd love one - too many cars at the moment no more drive space

[mike.perry]

Anyone know the engine specs of the various P4s? They seemed to be numbered in steps of 5 from 75 to 110 with IoE, 4 and 6 cylinder engines.

[MColes]

Take a look HERE. Good old wiki

[bmcecosse]

Oh well - appears the 95 does NOT have overdrive! The lights they show are wrong - most models (certainly the 105) had the 'tripod' headlamps which look so much nicer! And of course the twin fog lamps which they mention - but don't show in the picture.

[mike.perry]

Thanks Matt. Most Interesting

[daveallgood]

The Rover P4 Drivers Guild is a good source of information.

[mike.perry]

How posh! We have an Owner's Club, they have a Driver's Guild

[PSL184]

Imagine how exciting that club would be - I bet the average age is 90 and they would have heart failure if you even suggested a slight deviation from factory spec