RE: Rover 75 V8: Guilty Pleasures
Discussion
I can easily see the appeal of these as a future classic car. Very good build quality (though the earlier cars may have been better) sensible size, different looks, relatively simple technology, enough performance for most people and if my parents V6 version is anything to go by, amongst the best ride quality of any car built in the last 20 or so years (including their petrol XF).
It would appeal even more if the wood dash was real (like the first cars) and the NVH was up to the spec of the original cars.
Yes when new, when 'prestige' 3.0 diesels offered similar performance and twice the economy, they were difficult to justify, but fast forward 10 years and those diesels are just any old saloon with impending (and expensive) Injectors/DPF problems etc. They also do not sound like a V8. These iron-block, low-stressed V8 engines are well known for being capable of mega mileages with few problems if properly serviced.
Find one of these with low mileage, good condition, keep it nice as a 2nd car and though it won't make you rich it will hold its own in value terms, unless of course some future government does something crazy with CO2 based tax...
As a second car the fuel consumption is not really and issue, most classic car worth having will struggle to better 25mpg anyway.
In a world of bright white, big wheeled, s-line 4 pot diesels or super aggressive petrol sports saloons, this car offers a welcome breath of fresh air in the form of comfort and character.
It would appeal even more if the wood dash was real (like the first cars) and the NVH was up to the spec of the original cars.
Yes when new, when 'prestige' 3.0 diesels offered similar performance and twice the economy, they were difficult to justify, but fast forward 10 years and those diesels are just any old saloon with impending (and expensive) Injectors/DPF problems etc. They also do not sound like a V8. These iron-block, low-stressed V8 engines are well known for being capable of mega mileages with few problems if properly serviced.
Find one of these with low mileage, good condition, keep it nice as a 2nd car and though it won't make you rich it will hold its own in value terms, unless of course some future government does something crazy with CO2 based tax...
As a second car the fuel consumption is not really and issue, most classic car worth having will struggle to better 25mpg anyway.
In a world of bright white, big wheeled, s-line 4 pot diesels or super aggressive petrol sports saloons, this car offers a welcome breath of fresh air in the form of comfort and character.
Load of cr*p. Only one that was any good was a mule development car that looked like a 1.8 base and sounded like a TVR! But seriously, overpriced, drank fuel, lost money and a 330i would murder it. So much wasted development cash!
Aaaagh...
Aaaagh...
Edited by Numeric on Tuesday 5th May 20:38
Edited by Numeric on Tuesday 5th May 20:38
Alex P said:
Find one of these with low mileage, good condition, keep it nice as a 2nd car and though it won't make you rich it will hold its own in value terms
This is my situation. I don't have to do many miles and have access to the wife's supermini, so just wanted something a bit different. There are so few of the R75 V8s (~150 made) that they do hold their value, especially if bought in the right condition at the right price. As I understand it no-one has managed to supercharge the R75 V8 version, whereas a good number of the MG ZT V8s have - something to do with the auto box and ECU on the R75.
I have also had the MG ZTT V8 version, but got a bit annoyed with the heavy clutch and 'long' gear change. I set about finding the rarer R75 V8 version, but stumbled upon the Jag S Type R and got one of them instead. In many respects the STR is the 'better' car, much, much faster though it cost a lot more new 50k vs 30k. When a R75 V8 did come available I jumped on it and have had one nearly two years. For me I missed the raw V8 noise of the Ford unit when compared to the STR where it was just the supercharger whine and a very comfortable, uneventful, but fast ride. This compares to the R75 V8, which every drive feels like an occasion, especially with the windows down, listening to the engine.
PorkRind said:
So, if its detuned - what can you do to 'retune' and get full potential other than *'charging it? Filters, exhaust and remaps not going to see 350 + is it?!
300bhp/ton said:
Same engine as a 99-04 Mustang GT with same power. Sadly not great for na tuning either although 300hp is possible. Forced induction is the best tuning route.
PoleDriver said:
Shame they couldn't even make the panels fit!
Once bitten, twice shy! I recall reading your post not too long ago:PoleDriver said:
Had an MG ZT 260 enjoyed it immensely while it worked, wouldn't buy another. I bought a Cerbera to replace it; better performance, better reliability and cheaper to run!
LewG said:
I always had a strange like for these too, yes they were always going to be the underdog compared to German rivals etc. but they have a certain spark that makes them strangely cooler.
Still rather have a Vitesse though!
always loved these too, but did they not have even less power, 190 bhp if my memory works. There is a nice example in the Lakeland Motor MuseumStill rather have a Vitesse though!
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