It is true that the motoring press' consensus on the car is not one the car can be be impressed with, however, personal ownership as several people have pointed out on this website is the only truly reliable source of information, but requires one to take a risk and purchase the car. The only thing I can say is that Euroncap gave it 2 out of a possible 5 stars in the crash tests, this is simply unacceptable, its not a safe car. For the same money I'm certain you can find something safer and which the motoring publications have independently reviewed as extremely good. If you give me a very rough indication of your budget I'd be glad to offer alternatives to the Rover 25 as I'm a car buff whose not easily swayed by certain publications comments and I love discussing cars. Good luck anyway in purchasing a new car, but do be wary of its safety rating.
RWJ