Recommissioning an old 'new' car
Discussion
I find myself in the position where I have bought a car with 11,500 miles on the clock, however the car itself is actually 15 years old. I intend to use it as my daily driver, and I'm keen to recommission it in such a way to aid longevity.
It's a Rover 75 Diesel Auto & did 4000 miles before its first MOT, but was laid up because the elderly owner gave up driving. It wasn't sold until 9 years later, and had its first MOT in 2017. Since then it's done a couple of thousand miles per year.
Engine oil has been changed a few times, most recently last year, so that will definitely be done, along with antifreeze, brake fluid and auto gearbox fluid just as a precaution.
Is there anything specifically that I should be paying attention to, before pressing it into service?
It's a Rover 75 Diesel Auto & did 4000 miles before its first MOT, but was laid up because the elderly owner gave up driving. It wasn't sold until 9 years later, and had its first MOT in 2017. Since then it's done a couple of thousand miles per year.
Engine oil has been changed a few times, most recently last year, so that will definitely be done, along with antifreeze, brake fluid and auto gearbox fluid just as a precaution.
Is there anything specifically that I should be paying attention to, before pressing it into service?
Change tyres oil and drive it. They weren't really made to do low milage. The only you will find as you drive all those components made for use will be worn and you will end up replacing them.
What made you get a low milage diesel over a regular used one?
What made you get a low milage diesel over a regular used one?
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 28th February 11:33
Undoubtedly what you need to do is speak to Jules at JMA cars.
He is the absolute go to guru for all things 75’s. He knows them inside out,and would be happy to chat.
https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/garages...
He is the absolute go to guru for all things 75’s. He knows them inside out,and would be happy to chat.
https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/garages...
Sounds gorgeous. Chain not belts on the diesel so no worries there. Change fluids and check tyres. Join one of the enthusiast clubs and take to Jules when travel permits.
One of the few issues on the diesels is the fuel tank pump can go in which case you will grind to a halt once you drop below the last 1/4 tank full.
One of the few issues on the diesels is the fuel tank pump can go in which case you will grind to a halt once you drop below the last 1/4 tank full.
Aside from the usual stuff of recommissioning, namely fluids, filters, and tyres, I'd also suggest now would be a good time to get some rustproofing done. 75's are better than most from the period when it comes to rusting, but still, with such a clean car it'd make sense to get on top of it early.
Otherwise get in and start piling the miles on! Sounds like a great deal to me, they make great daily drivers.
Otherwise get in and start piling the miles on! Sounds like a great deal to me, they make great daily drivers.
The Spruce Goose said:
Change tyres oil and drive it. They weren't really made to do low milage. The only you will find as you drive all those components made for use will be worn and you will end up replacing them.
What made you get a low milage diesel over a regular used one?
Because I've had several examples with 80,000+ miles on them, and this is an opportunity to own a Monogram car, that is a little bit special, and certainly the closest thing I could possibly get to a brand new 75.What made you get a low milage diesel over a regular used one?
Edited by The Spruce Goose on Sunday 28th February 11:33
SebastienClement said:
The Spruce Goose said:
Change tyres oil and drive it. They weren't really made to do low milage. The only you will find as you drive all those components made for use will be worn and you will end up replacing them.
What made you get a low milage diesel over a regular used one?
Because I've had several examples with 80,000+ miles on them, and this is an opportunity to own a Monogram car, that is a little bit special, and certainly the closest thing I could possibly get to a brand new 75.What made you get a low milage diesel over a regular used one?
Edited by The Spruce Goose on Sunday 28th February 11:33
Pics coming ?
sjc said:
Where on earth did you find out about that little gem ??
A walk around a local village, and spotting it on someone's drive with a 'For Sale' notice in the window. For once I was in the right place at the right time! I don't believe it's been posted for sale anywhere online - if it has, I can't find it!SebastienClement said:
A walk around a local village, and spotting it on someone's drive with a 'For Sale' notice in the window. For once I was in the right place at the right time! I don't believe it's been posted for sale anywhere online - if it has, I can't find it!
Exactly how I found my first 28k 75 in 2009.Excellent, congrats!
captain_cynic said:
CS Garth said:
As a precaution I’d change the werther’s originals in the glove box.
Do I need to buy new ones or can I just rotate them with the Werther's Originals in the centre console?Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff