I have a 2002 Plus8. Basically the same version as your car. Good choice.
It is a gentlemanly beast! It can pootle about easily due to the V8 torque, then.....3000rpm and it comes alive. 3rd gear and 3krpm gives you a kick through the seat.
I changed from a 1600 to the V8. Much better as a cruiser. Once I had learned how it reacted I moved from almost automatic driving to use gears/revs. Just be careful in the wet on bends/roundabouts/starting off as you can waggle the rear easily! Don’t be too eager to press the accelerator too early.
I try to use higher octane low ethanol petrol as I feel the car runs a bit better than with 95/E10.
Enjoy it.
