Depends mainly on what engine you want. The iS wasn't available with the 84ps 1.4 engine so if that's the one you want, iL it is. Otherwise, the models share the 103ps 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 Steptronic and 2.0 TD engines.
Specs on the models are pretty similar - all have drivers airbag, power steering, height adjustable drivers seat, electric windows and roof, remote locking etc. The iL adds electric mirrors to that while the iS has alloys, front fogs and a body colour rear spoiler instead. I'm in a similar position and would prefer an 1.4 iS with the funky coordinated seats.

 

On the other hand, it seems that more iL buyers specified air conditioning from the optional extras list than they did with the iS. In addition to this the alloy wheel range (available as an option) on the iL is far greater so you may find some versions stocked up with extras, but this will increase the price of course.

 

On the other hand, it seems that more iL buyers specified air conditioning from the optional extras list than they did with the iS.

I've noticed this too. The iL should have had alloys as standard IMO as it looks identical to the basic i models (bar the sunroof). iL models are more common than the iS models too so it would be easier to find one.
I went to see a 25 today in Kingswinford, having read in the Autotrader ad that it was a 1.4 iS 3dr. 'Brilliant' I thought, especially when I was told over the phone it was in Tahiti Blue. I got there to find it was an iE! I wasn't happy!! Could've done with air con today - might have to add that to the wish list.

 

Cheers for that, think i want an iS but have found an iL which looks pretty good. Its got 5 doors though, wot u think? Do you know if I could put iS seats into an iL?

 

the seat mountings are the same in any 25 so fitting iS seats into an iL shouldnt be a problem. 5 doors are best for greater practicality of course, but 3 doors give a sportier look. Does the iL you have seen have any extras?

 

Yeah its got full electrics and air con, on an x reg with 34000 miles on the clock theye are asking £1450!!

 

Sounds like a very good price, just give the car a good check over if you are considering purchasing it. (Suppose you knew that already:lol - what colour is it?

It is surprising how many iL cars have air conditioning fitted, seeing as it is on the optional equipment list.

 

It's tahiti blue, if i got it for £1450 I would have around £700 to spend on it and I already hace a peco exhaust, sound system and 17's. Wot would you spend the money on?

 

It's tahiti blue,

well firstly that is an excellent colour - the 25 (and indeed all rovers) look radiant in this shade.

The modifications you have already to put on a 25 seem good anyway, although coming from myself I prefer subtle modifications to 'in your face' styling. How about getting body coloured rear spoiler in replacement to the neutral one, body coloured side rubbing strips, bumper inserts etc - they make a heck of a difference.

 

I got a tahiti blue r25 iL too, with air con fitted, I love it!!! Its the higher powered model too, and once its over 4k revs its pulls with some might for a 1.4 engine!

I must admit I wouldnt mind fitting standard rover alloy wheels, preferably the turbine alloys that came on later 25's!

 

get an iL m8......much better std spec. u can always add the alloys etc.

the iS is quite rare and even rarer to find one with air con.

 

If I was going to put standard rover alloys on an iL it would have to be turbines, serpents or fissions.

 

MGR Petrol head you mentioned body colorued side rubbing strips - any ideas where i could get these for my 25? Checked ebay but not seen anythign unless ive not put the right search criteria!

I love the way the later 25's have these on, looks nicer than the black ones.

 

For some reason I cannot access the online shop (it is loading very very slowly) however it might just be my dial up internet connection. Xpart may sell such items there, its worth a look.

 

Whats the url for the online shop?

Googled it but only got a home page with no reference to any products

 

Yeah i agree the colour coded bumper inserts would look good. I had a zr spoiler on my 200 before I sold it and it looked ace. I painted the side bumpers on the 200 but the paint kept cuming off when I washed it. Do you know where i could get bumper inserts?

 

Whats the url for the online shop?

Googled it but only got a home page with no reference to any products

http://shop.mg-rover.org/index.php

 

Yeah its got full electrics and air con, on an x reg with 34000 miles on the clock theye are asking £1450!!

That sounds like an absolute bargain - I'm so jealous!! If you are planning changing the seats, I'd spend your money on some GTi 1/2 leathers ones. They are pretty rare but much nicer than the matrix ZR ones and have proper leather rather than lookalike vinyl. The GTi seats also come in red or blue like the iS seats so you may be able to find some to match the paintwork.

 

How do you remove the existing plastic bumpers on the side of the car so that I can paint them? or replace them with coloured ones. Also do you think having chrome mirrors looks good?

 

How do you remove the existing plastic bumpers on the side of the car so that I can paint them? or replace them with coloured ones. Also do you think having chrome mirrors looks good?

I actually think chrome mirrors are best when you are modding a car to look luxurious, not sporty.

As a reference, the seats in the GTi and iS are called 'orbital' - two-tone half leather or two-tone cloth formats only.

 

One more question. The 17's I have only ust cleared the arches in my r200. If I want to lower the r25 how do I do it without it rubbing?

 

One more question. The 17's I have only ust cleared the arches in my r200. If I want to lower the r25 how do I do it without it rubbing?

I got a Question mate, how come you are "upgrading" to a 25? Do you prefer the styling or did the 200 give up the ghost?

 

Suppose it depends on the colour of yoru car mike and personal preference! What colour is your car?

 

I going to see a Tahiti blue one tomorrow

 

Well the only reason is that I had loads of mods on my R200 and my dad made me tell the insurance company, the only thing was that I was with churchill who wont insure any mods until the holder is 25 or over so I sold most of them am drove it as standard for a bit. I hated it and so decided rather than buying back all the mods I may aswell just sell the car and get a 25 that has all the extras. So im looking around at the moment. Do you have a rover 200?