I had a great chat with Jeremy Howson at the NEC last weekend as I am thinking about buying an everyday classic (I already have a Sunday dry days only "garage queen") but had to be cheap and interesting - hence a Streetwise.
He gave me some useful hints and tips and I have been looking on the internet etc and found a May 2006 registered Streetwise standard model with 2 long term owners and 43k miles. Not only are standard models pretty thin on the ground, this one was registered 13 months after Rover went bust? Anyhow, if anyone has any thoughts, they would be appreciated - I am up for a challenge!
By the way I live in Lancashire, so if I do get one, I'll join up to the club and take it to some shows/meets etc. Rob
2004 Streetwise Olympic LE 3 door blue
1998 Seicento Sporting Abarth black
2019 Seat Arona Technology Lux blue
My only issue with the streetwise is it’s a bit of a parts bin sweep out of all the cheap tat left behind from decent cars and then built on a budget. Couple that with the pitiful 84bhp 1.4 engine and it’s all show and no go.
There are a lot better cars to choose than the streetwise but that’s my 10p. I also don’t fit in sports seats so that won’t help either…*laughs*
The Streetwise was available with the 103ps 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 Stepspeed as well as the 84ps 1.4, if performance is a concern ;)
Build quality isn't amazing on the Streetwise as it was born at the height of MG Rover's cost cutting frenzy. But if you ignore the cheap materials and lack of refinement then you have a decent budget future classic that looks distinctive and modern even today.
RoverRevival wrote: ↑Mon Nov 15, 2021 8:50 pm
My only issue with the streetwise is it’s a bit of a parts bin sweep out of all the cheap tat left behind from decent cars and then built on a budget. Couple that with the pitiful 84bhp 1.4 engine and it’s all show and no go
They’re built no better or worse than any of the later MGR cars, being fair. And the 84bhp “issue” isn’t exactly the trickiest thing to sort…
There is a really nice condition diesel version on eBay at the moment, although I would be the first to admit that black paintwork doesn't show off a Streetwise to best effect because the chunky wheelarch mouldings and side rubbing strips tend to get lost in the overall blackness of everything.
I think the 06-registered one you mentioned may be the one that is coming up for auction soon. (RX06***?)
It is in the fantastic and rare Burnished Orange with the equally rare 'Target' interior fabric and body-coloured dash insert + door pulls. Being the 'basic' GLi version also adds interest to it, as very few were built before Rover 'went under'.
1995 220GSi Turbo: owned for 24 years
1994 216SLi
2000 25GTi
Thanks to everyone who replied to my posting. Following a trawl thru some Rover based websites, I have drawn up a list of inspection points for me to look out for when I inspect the car tomorrow. As it is at the auction, I hope I can have access to the keys, check all the electrical stuff and start the engine. I'll keep you updated!!
2004 Streetwise Olympic LE 3 door blue
1998 Seicento Sporting Abarth black
2019 Seat Arona Technology Lux blue
Had a look at the auction car and I felt its condition did not warrant the guide price so put in a low proxy bid. The car sold for 2000 guid plus 12 per cent fees. I’m off to look at a 3 door Olympic model next week.
2004 Streetwise Olympic LE 3 door blue
1998 Seicento Sporting Abarth black
2019 Seat Arona Technology Lux blue
Captainslow wrote: ↑Thu Nov 25, 2021 9:02 am
Had a look at the auction car and I felt its condition did not warrant the guide price so put in a low proxy bid. The car sold for 2000 guid plus 12 per cent fees. I’m off to look at a 3 door Olympic model next week.
That’s really strong money for a Streetwise. It would have to be pretty exceptional to demand that.
