Another Old Rover (75)
Discussion
Well I decided to add another car to my little fleet. I fancied something comfortable for smoking around in winter, and I'm partial to a bit of barge, so here we go.
The car is near poverty spec, but thankfully does have a few niceties such as electric windows, electric mirrors, automatic climate control (ice cold when it needs to be!), remote locking etc...
It's got the 1.8 k series engine which has had the updated head gasket and oil rail as well as a recently cambelt. The car was originally up on a forecourt for £1995, but I bagged it for banger money in the end with 12 months MOT and 6 months tax. I had to travel about 40 miles for it, so had a nice run back (as a passenger) while my Father drove it back.
Some pictures:
On the forecourt:
On our way back:
After we had arrived back:
|http://thumbsnap.com/DDmVRqFD[/url]
The one thing that strikes you straight away is how well it rides. I have read various complementary reviews of the 75's ride, but I didn't expect it to be this good, it really is like riding on a magic carpet.
There are a few things I need to get done, starting with a good clean inside! Is not really dirty, but it's not been prepared well either. It also needs a service (will do myself) and a good clean and wax on the outside.[url]
The car is near poverty spec, but thankfully does have a few niceties such as electric windows, electric mirrors, automatic climate control (ice cold when it needs to be!), remote locking etc...
It's got the 1.8 k series engine which has had the updated head gasket and oil rail as well as a recently cambelt. The car was originally up on a forecourt for £1995, but I bagged it for banger money in the end with 12 months MOT and 6 months tax. I had to travel about 40 miles for it, so had a nice run back (as a passenger) while my Father drove it back.
Some pictures:
On the forecourt:
On our way back:
After we had arrived back:
|http://thumbsnap.com/DDmVRqFD[/url]The one thing that strikes you straight away is how well it rides. I have read various complementary reviews of the 75's ride, but I didn't expect it to be this good, it really is like riding on a magic carpet.
There are a few things I need to get done, starting with a good clean inside! Is not really dirty, but it's not been prepared well either. It also needs a service (will do myself) and a good clean and wax on the outside.[url]
Edited by SebastienClement on Saturday 22 December 22:18
Performance wise. That's a tricky one. I've been driving a 45 with the same engine as my daily, which no doubt performs much better. I'm not sure if this one will wake up a bit after a decent service / blast out. It's another car that has done barely 4000 miles in the last year. I'd y the performance is "adequate" at the moment. It won't hold anyone up in day to day traffic, but it does feel like you have to push it on.
I think the 2.5v6 with an autoboxe would suit the feel of the car much better.
I think the 2.5v6 with an autoboxe would suit the feel of the car much better.
SebastienClement said:
Performance wise. That's a tricky one. I've been driving a 45 with the same engine as my daily, which no doubt performs much better. I'm not sure if this one will wake up a bit after a decent service / blast out. It's another car that has done barely 4000 miles in the last year. I'd y the performance is "adequate" at the moment. It won't hold anyone up in day to day traffic, but it does feel like you have to push it on.
I think the 2.5v6 with an autoboxe would suit the feel of the car much better.
I think it probably would too. But that said the 1800 is pretty torquey; over 2500 it gets into its stride, and though I never do it (ahem) it produces usable power all the way to the redline. Obviously you need to work it harder to "make progress", but that's something I quite like in a car.I think the 2.5v6 with an autoboxe would suit the feel of the car much better.
davepoth said:
I think it probably would too. But that said the 1800 is pretty torquey; over 2500 it gets into its stride, and though I never do it (ahem) it produces usable power all the way to the redline. Obviously you need to work it harder to "make progress", but that's something I quite like in a car.
The 1.8 on the whole is very good. It's amazing how different the same engine feels in two different cars! My 45 wouldn't entertain the idea of 4th at 30 (if you wanted to accelerate upwards) but the 75 is quite happy to do that. I've not really pushed the limits of the engine in the 75 yet... I'm checking the levels daily and want to get an oil change done before giving it some stick. Although initial signs are good. I've done 200 miles in it so far and the levels are bang on.It's going in Thursday morning for an oil and filter, then I shall do the other filters and sparks at the weekend.
Been over the car in daylight today. All the things that should be checked (very handy list on the 75 and zt club) are perfect. Which gives a little bit of confidence! The only thing I'm a little wary about, is that the climate control seems to produce a noticeable whine - only when it's on auto, not econ.
Apart from that, it's all good!
Given the car a quick part service today. Did the plugs, antifreeze and air filter. Halfords didn't have the correct fuel or cabin filters & ECP aren't open today.
Popping it round to a friend's for an oil change in the morning. Hopefully will be able to pick up the other filters tomorrow too.
Popping it round to a friend's for an oil change in the morning. Hopefully will be able to pick up the other filters tomorrow too.
tali1 said:
My friend had a 75 and said it was best riding car.I 've had 2 and whilst they are good -i've been in other cars and never thought " My 75 is a lot more comfy"
Peugeot 309, Lexus ls400 and Merc s320 -those 3 (for me) had stand out ride comfort.
I think that's an issue that subjective. What you gain in one area will be lost in another. The 75 is certainly the best riding car I've had - but I've not owned a big Lexus barge (I have, however, had a few old Merc barges).Peugeot 309, Lexus ls400 and Merc s320 -those 3 (for me) had stand out ride comfort.
ModernAndy said:
Apart from the K engine which is known for gasket faults,etc. how do 75's do reliability and durability wise?
The K series' aren't at all bad once the MLS gasket has been done.The car itself seems pretty good. There are some issues that will need looking at on all cars. There are plenum chambers at the back on the engine bay which are liable to fill with water - which is bad - because the ECU and pollen filter are kept there. There are drain holes in the bottom of the plenums but they're prone to blocking up. It's good practise to check the drains are clear regularly. Personally I check it once a week with my levels. Rear light seals are also prone to let water into the boot area. Although I've had neither problem with my car.
As far as general build quality goes i have a couple of issues on mine - but I think they're likely to be down to the previous owner rather than inherent Rover 75 problems. One of my door cards is a little loose, so I need to re-secure with some new clips. Also one side of the steering cowling doesn't have a screw in it. Apart from that I have no rattles or concerning issues.
The car has passed its last 4 MOTs first time with no advisories - which is encouraging too!
247RPM said:
That's a nice looking car, I'd love to have a barge but I'm 19 so insurance might be a bit restrictive! If you don't mind me asking roughly how much was your insurance on that? (assuming you are 20/21 from the info you gave!)
I'm 23, will be 24 in February. I paid £310 FC.
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