Oops, I've done it again. (Rover 75).
Discussion
I know, I know, you're all telling me how terrible these cars are. So here's another one. Bought on Friday, unseen from eBay. It was the only one for sale within a 20 mile radius, it's bottom of the range (almost) and the description was somewhat... sparse. I didn't really mean to win it - it just sort of happened. £571 in total with tax and test.
So, I arrived on Friday morning at the gentleman's house, and was pleasantly surprised at what I found. It might be bottom of the range, but it has a nice wallet of recent receipts (clutch, exhaust, tyres, recent service & rear springs), and a full service history to boot. Even better, the cambelts (hideous job on these V6 engines) was done a little over two years ago, and less than 20k miles ago. The car is currently showing a (verified) 67,000 miles, and I'm the third owner.
On the drive home (10 miles or so) I did notice that the car isn't reaching proper operating temperature, sitting about 75'c rather than a normal 95'c, so it will need a new thermostat (a known weak point on these engines). Other than that, it drives straight, doesn't pull, sounds good, no horrible noises from underneath, and no nasty vibrations etc...
Spec wise, even though it's bottom of the range, it's got a reasonable amount of kit. It has air conditioning (not climate, though), power / heated door mirrors, remote locking, follow me home headlights, electric windows, cd changer etc... Everything works, too. The air conditioning blows nice and cold, one touch windows work, radio works as does the cd changer.
It's powered by a 2.0 Rover KV6 engine, which is lovely and smooth, and contrary to most reports on the web, is returning a decent fuel economy at the moment. On Saturday I took it on a 200 mile round trip, and have been pottering about in it since, and it's returning over 32mpg so far. We'll see how that fairs when I get the thermostat changed too.
In that time I have found a few little issues that will want rectifying:
Anyway, have some more pictures!
So, I arrived on Friday morning at the gentleman's house, and was pleasantly surprised at what I found. It might be bottom of the range, but it has a nice wallet of recent receipts (clutch, exhaust, tyres, recent service & rear springs), and a full service history to boot. Even better, the cambelts (hideous job on these V6 engines) was done a little over two years ago, and less than 20k miles ago. The car is currently showing a (verified) 67,000 miles, and I'm the third owner.
On the drive home (10 miles or so) I did notice that the car isn't reaching proper operating temperature, sitting about 75'c rather than a normal 95'c, so it will need a new thermostat (a known weak point on these engines). Other than that, it drives straight, doesn't pull, sounds good, no horrible noises from underneath, and no nasty vibrations etc...
Spec wise, even though it's bottom of the range, it's got a reasonable amount of kit. It has air conditioning (not climate, though), power / heated door mirrors, remote locking, follow me home headlights, electric windows, cd changer etc... Everything works, too. The air conditioning blows nice and cold, one touch windows work, radio works as does the cd changer.
It's powered by a 2.0 Rover KV6 engine, which is lovely and smooth, and contrary to most reports on the web, is returning a decent fuel economy at the moment. On Saturday I took it on a 200 mile round trip, and have been pottering about in it since, and it's returning over 32mpg so far. We'll see how that fairs when I get the thermostat changed too.
In that time I have found a few little issues that will want rectifying:
- Clutch pedal rubber missing (sorted!)
- Slack accelerator cable (sorted!)
- Loose driver's kick trim (sorted!)
- Thermostat
- Intermittent rear lamp (connection? Need to have a look)
Anyway, have some more pictures!
Thanks for all the replies guys 
I really have a soft spot for big Rovers. When I was young, we had an old 1.6d Fiesta, and when my Dad came home with a Rover 800 fastback one day, it seemed like the best thing ever. Going from an F reg horrible cramped car to a big barge with air conditioning, and an armrest(!) was awesome. I've had a thing for Rovers ever since.
I can remember seeing the 75 being unveiled for the first time, and loved it. I will always remember one Mr Clarkson uttering "the star of this motor show, for me, is the Rover 75..."
Anyway. I like big cars, and Rovers, so I might as well own a few
As for the mats - they're awful! The previous owner had put them in to protect the cream carpets, but the backing is breaking up so they need to go (and they slide around all over the place). I think I'll get some rubber mats for the winter, and some genuine Rover carpet mats in the spring time.
I really have a soft spot for big Rovers. When I was young, we had an old 1.6d Fiesta, and when my Dad came home with a Rover 800 fastback one day, it seemed like the best thing ever. Going from an F reg horrible cramped car to a big barge with air conditioning, and an armrest(!) was awesome. I've had a thing for Rovers ever since.
I can remember seeing the 75 being unveiled for the first time, and loved it. I will always remember one Mr Clarkson uttering "the star of this motor show, for me, is the Rover 75..."
Anyway. I like big cars, and Rovers, so I might as well own a few
As for the mats - they're awful! The previous owner had put them in to protect the cream carpets, but the backing is breaking up so they need to go (and they slide around all over the place). I think I'll get some rubber mats for the winter, and some genuine Rover carpet mats in the spring time.
Triumph Man said:
There is something about the Rover 75... I'm only 22, but I would really like to have one. It looks like it's one of those cars where you get in and it just cossets you, and makes everything alright. Am I right OP?
Oh yes. It does.Everything has a satisfying clunk. When you close the doors it really does isolate you from all the normal outside noises. Wind noise is next to non existent (even this weekend with the wind we've had I've been wafting up and down the M1 in almost silent surroundings). The seats are very comfy. I can drive a journey and feel very fresh at the other end.
Interestingly, this car, an early one built at Cowley, seems to feel more solid than my later Longbridge example.
New POD said:
It's everything that the Allegro Vandom plas wanted to be, and wasn't. Great stuff !!!
Heh heh, I like that quote!Got it nicely cleaned up, and this is how she's looking as of yesterday afternoon:
The trouble is, I can't seem to buy a car and then leave it as is. I had a brand new gear knob (for my other 75's refurb, actually) knocking about, so popped it on this afternoon too.
I think I might add a walnut wheel at some point too, but trying to control myself with this one!
Thanks for the comments, chaps.
I'm taking it on Monday to someone from the Owner's Club to have the thermostat replaced. They're a known weak point on the V6 engines, and begin to open too early - which mine is doing - so it's running at about 75'c rather than the 95'c or so it should be running at. Once that's done, I'm hoping it'll go through an MOT in the next couple of weeks (due 21/12/13, so I can put it in from 22/11/13) without too much of an issue. I can't pin point anything it'll fail on from driving it, so hopefully there are no nasties lurking! On the plus side, it went through the last MOT with no advisories, and that was just 3500 miles ago.
I'm taking it on Monday to someone from the Owner's Club to have the thermostat replaced. They're a known weak point on the V6 engines, and begin to open too early - which mine is doing - so it's running at about 75'c rather than the 95'c or so it should be running at. Once that's done, I'm hoping it'll go through an MOT in the next couple of weeks (due 21/12/13, so I can put it in from 22/11/13) without too much of an issue. I can't pin point anything it'll fail on from driving it, so hopefully there are no nasties lurking! On the plus side, it went through the last MOT with no advisories, and that was just 3500 miles ago.
I do love the interior. The pictures don't show it, but the carpets (on the early cars, at least) are very woolly and feel luxurious. The whole interior feels very solid and a lovely, comfortable place to be.
I've been monitoring the underbonnet levels and tyres frequently while I get used to the car. All the levels are fine, but unfortunately it seems like my rear offside tyre has a slow leak. So, I need to pop into Tyremen and see if they can fix it or not. If not, I'll go for a set of tyres on the back so that they match, I think. Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance seem to get very good reviews, and are not at all pricey.
Other than that, I'm planning a big service for it in the new year. It has had an oil and filter change about 1000 miles ago, but I'd rather give it a full going over myself, so it'll get done again. I'm planning to do:
Oil & Filter
Air Filter
Fuel Filter
pollen Filter
Spark Plugs
Gearbox Oil
Battery
Alignment Check
Keyfob Battery
There's probably other things I've missed / not thought of yet. Feel free to point out!
I've been monitoring the underbonnet levels and tyres frequently while I get used to the car. All the levels are fine, but unfortunately it seems like my rear offside tyre has a slow leak. So, I need to pop into Tyremen and see if they can fix it or not. If not, I'll go for a set of tyres on the back so that they match, I think. Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance seem to get very good reviews, and are not at all pricey.
Other than that, I'm planning a big service for it in the new year. It has had an oil and filter change about 1000 miles ago, but I'd rather give it a full going over myself, so it'll get done again. I'm planning to do:
Oil & Filter
Air Filter
Fuel Filter
pollen Filter
Spark Plugs
Gearbox Oil
Battery
Alignment Check
Keyfob Battery
There's probably other things I've missed / not thought of yet. Feel free to point out!
mattyevo89 said:
These are not a car I have ever considered to own however I am quite young. Never had anything against them but in my eyes that seems like the bargain of the century.
That is a hell of a lot of car for the money, I'm actually almost tempted to get one now to see me thru the winter in comfort!!
How about a compromise on a ZT? That is a hell of a lot of car for the money, I'm actually almost tempted to get one now to see me thru the winter in comfort!!
tbc said:
well you learn something new everyday
75 with a factory Mustang V8 engine
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-54-ROVER-75-V8-MUST...
Yep! Although IIRC some parts are difficult / majorly expensive to get for the V8 cars. I think I remember reading £800 for a pair of rear discs.75 with a factory Mustang V8 engine
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-54-ROVER-75-V8-MUST...
Little bit of an update.
Got some more pictures (as is normal in 75/ZT ownership!)...
And I've also been on a bulb fitting spree! I've replaced all the interior bulbs with LED bulbs (which thankfully still fade in and out!) which has given this effect:
And I've also fitted some BlueVision sidelight bulbs (as the LEDs don't play well without error canceller kit fitted):
(Pic shows sidelights only, not headlamps!)
Sorry for the rubbish quality - my phone doesn't play well in low light. Think I need to dig the proper camera out really!
Got some more pictures (as is normal in 75/ZT ownership!)...
And I've also been on a bulb fitting spree! I've replaced all the interior bulbs with LED bulbs (which thankfully still fade in and out!) which has given this effect:
And I've also fitted some BlueVision sidelight bulbs (as the LEDs don't play well without error canceller kit fitted):
(Pic shows sidelights only, not headlamps!)
Sorry for the rubbish quality - my phone doesn't play well in low light. Think I need to dig the proper camera out really!
I've just this evening passed on my MG ZT to another PH'er for what I'd been offered as a trade-in... £600.Piersman2 said:
A 2001 Boxster S... if the garage ever get the airbag ECU sorted. They've been trying to do it on the cheap for almost 3 weeks now as a new ECU is £800 apparently. To be honest I can't say I blame them. Good job I'm not desperate for the car!
Jolly nice too! Hope they get it sorted in a timely sort of fashion so you can start enjoying it!A little Christmas update for you all. Things have mostly been well with the car, just a couple of little issues, which as of tomorrow, will be rectified.
Last weekend something went clunk-grind at the back. Turns out it was the handbrake shoes which had disintegrated. So got a full rerar brake set up from ECP while they had their winter sales on and got them fitted. Then popped it in for its MOT on Christmas Eve, only for it to fail on a suspension arm. They're doing the job tomorrow, and should have it back in the afternoon with a years ticket. Then I've got to tax her in time for the 1st.
So, all costs so far:
£571 - Purchase price
£150 - Thermostat renewal
£112.96 - Rear brake assembley (discs, pads and handbrake shoes)
£115 - Suspension arm renewal
£25 - MOT fee
£124 - 6 months tax.
£1097.96 all in, so far. Hopefully that won't go up too much in the next six months!
Last weekend something went clunk-grind at the back. Turns out it was the handbrake shoes which had disintegrated. So got a full rerar brake set up from ECP while they had their winter sales on and got them fitted. Then popped it in for its MOT on Christmas Eve, only for it to fail on a suspension arm. They're doing the job tomorrow, and should have it back in the afternoon with a years ticket. Then I've got to tax her in time for the 1st.
So, all costs so far:
£571 - Purchase price
£150 - Thermostat renewal
£112.96 - Rear brake assembley (discs, pads and handbrake shoes)
£115 - Suspension arm renewal
£25 - MOT fee
£124 - 6 months tax.
£1097.96 all in, so far. Hopefully that won't go up too much in the next six months!
Sir Fergie said:
Thing to remember is that a lot of the stuff on there is stuff that may also have to be done on much newer cars.
And said newer cars still wouldn't be as nice as that 75.
In short - shes worth it
Oh yes, I don't begrudge it at all. Worth it to know everything is working and safe. I can safely say that there is NOTHING on this car that is broken. Which is pretty much a first in my motoring career!And said newer cars still wouldn't be as nice as that 75.
In short - shes worth it
Car going well. Kwik fit missed a couple of bits that really needed doing for the MOT. The exhaust wasn't secured properly, and had a hole in it, as well as noisy droplinks at the front. Both now sorted by a trusted mechanic!
I drove for a friends wedding at the back of last month too, which was nice, as a present to them. Although the groom decided at the last minute he wouldn't get into the car if it had ribbons on
but there we go.
Seeing as we've had lovely weather today, I've been busy with the car wash / clay kit / polish / wax!
Nearly 14 years old... what an old banger!
...not.
I drove for a friends wedding at the back of last month too, which was nice, as a present to them. Although the groom decided at the last minute he wouldn't get into the car if it had ribbons on
but there we go.Seeing as we've had lovely weather today, I've been busy with the car wash / clay kit / polish / wax!
Nearly 14 years old... what an old banger!
...not.
The rear light seals do give trouble. They're bonded in one place which tends to split. If it's not the light seals that are at fault, it could be the retaining clips for the rear window, or the clips which hold the chrome strips on the sides. Thankfully this one doesn't suffer with a wet boot, but I have put globs of silicone around all the clips from the inside, and replaced the rear light seals with a redesigned unit (available from one of the members on the owners' club, who manufactures them!).
These cars are not without their faults, but there are enough of them around to be a bit choosy. One of the best places to keep an eye out for good cars is on the owners club (http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=61). If you want a car looking at by someone who knows their onions (and believe me, there are some proper beards on the club - in a very much GOOD way!), generally someone local to the car will be happy to oblige.
The owners club is the friendliest I've ever been a part of - perhaps due to the more mature average age of Rover owners? I don't know... It's a goldmine of information, and if you do buy one, definitely register and have a nose around.
Also, worth a look before purchasing a vehicle is the comprehensive buying guide : http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...
These cars are not without their faults, but there are enough of them around to be a bit choosy. One of the best places to keep an eye out for good cars is on the owners club (http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=61). If you want a car looking at by someone who knows their onions (and believe me, there are some proper beards on the club - in a very much GOOD way!), generally someone local to the car will be happy to oblige.
The owners club is the friendliest I've ever been a part of - perhaps due to the more mature average age of Rover owners? I don't know... It's a goldmine of information, and if you do buy one, definitely register and have a nose around.
Also, worth a look before purchasing a vehicle is the comprehensive buying guide : http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...
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