Rover 75

aujopimur

I'm looking for opions/advice on rover 75 diesel.
Thanks in advance

colm_mcm

Shrewd buy, not nearly as bad as people with no experience of them make them out to be.

PaintDoctor on here has one and loves it. I know a few people with them who are equally enthusiastic.

L-M

Same engine as in the 320D Bmw, and as long as all the buttons are working and it's a high enough spec you shouldn't go too far wrong. I'd say even the Uk you might finder a better example (I don't mean cheaper, but they'd have sold more and in higher spec over there).

mickdw

Very good car imo. Bargain price wise.

L-M

Actually, this is what you want!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1234785.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1509855.htm

CharlieCroker

Limerick man wrote: »

Actually, this is what you want!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1234785.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1509855.htm

long time no see LM.
That black one is mint.
OP, As long as its been well cared for they make a very shrewd buy with good mechanicals and normally a very high spec (bar the base model). You also have the option of the comfortable tourer (75) and the sporty (MG ZT).

colm_mcm

crap! now you've got me wanting a ZT!

CharlieCroker

colm_mcm wrote: »

crap! now you've got me wanting a ZT!

I've autotrader open in another tab!!!:o

L-M

CharlieCroker wrote: »

long time no see LM.
That black one is mint.
OP, As long as its been well cared for they make a very shrewd buy with good mechanicals and normally a very high spec (bar the base model). You also have the option of the comfortable tourer (75) and the sporty (MG ZT).

Or combine the two and get a Tourer Zt?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1502504.htm

Perfect all rounder there.

JHMEG

Limerick man wrote: »

Same engine as in the 320D Bmw,

Which has a propensity for blowing turbos. Did the Rover escape that trait?

L-M

JHMEG wrote: »

Which has a propensity for blowing turbos. Did the Rover escape that trait?

No, and to be very honest, I though I said that in my post.

David09

An exceptionally nice car to drive and rather underrated, probably due to the rover badge.

JHMEG

Limerick man wrote: »

No, and to be very honest, I though I said that in my post.

You mentioned buttons working properly. A turbo isn't a button?

L-M

JHMEG wrote: »

You mentioned buttons working properly. A turbo isn't a button?

No, I thought I typed it in my post because I was thinking about it as I was typing. I didn't end up actually typing it though:o

Mr Benevolent

JHMEG wrote: »

Which has a propensity for blowing turbos. Did the Rover escape that trait?

Yep, different turbo and a different inlet manifold swirl flap actuator rod.

L-M

Confab wrote: »

Yep, different turbo and a different inlet manifold swirl flap actuator rod.

I thought it was the same turbo, just mapped differently, no? Learn something new everyday!

colm_mcm

Nice 00 Conneseur diesel with 76 on the clock on Autotrader - must resist.....

Great cars, an auto may be the better option as the clutch on the manual is a pricey job to do.

argosy2006

Limerick man wrote: »

Actually, this is what you want!

http://www.pisonheads.com/sales/1234785.htm

http://www.pisonheads.com/sales/1509855.htm

But was the 320 d engine a good one/.?>

colm_mcm

yep, auto diesel available on the 75 and ZT

argosy2006

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201005351794056/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/automatic/fuel-type/diesel/model/607/make/peugeot/radius/1500/page/1/keywords/leather/postcode/gl52rs?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fused%2Fcars%2Fpeugeot%2F607%2Fpostcode%2Fgl52rs%2Fradius%2F1500%2Fkeywords%2Fleather%2Ftransmission%2Fautomatic%2Ffuel-type%2Fdiesel%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F1&logcode=p prefer this to a rover, same value,,,

CharlieCroker

argosy2006 wrote: »

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201005351794056/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/automatic/fuel-type/diesel/model/607/make/peugeot/radius/1500/page/1/keywords/leather/postcode/gl52rs?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fused%2Fcars%2Fpeugeot%2F607%2Fpostcode%2Fgl52rs%2Fradius%2F1500%2Fkeywords%2Fleather%2Ftransmission%2Fautomatic%2Ffuel-type%2Fdiesel%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F1&logcode=p prefer this to a rover, same value,,,

well. seeing how the peugeot is worthless i wouldn't say they're the same value. I'd take the rover or MG EVERY single day ahead of it.

The only real problem with the rover 75 was the 1.8's ability to go through headgaskets and turbo's. Absolutely nothing wrong with the diesel version once its been looked after

Tragedy

Limerick man wrote: »

I thought it was the same turbo, just mapped differently, no? Learn something new everyday!

Rover 75/ZT's have Mitsubishi TD025 turbos, are common rail.

99-01 BMW 320D used the same engine with a different turbo and it wasn't common rail - and had no problems with blown turbos or swirl flaps.
01-04 320D had common rail injection and a VNT turbo, and had turbo issues.

Rover 75 Diesel:
If it's 2001 or later, it was made in Longbridge rather than Cowley - which is meant to have had better build quality(as all the engineering niggles had been worked out by then).
Spec is everything with these cars, anything less than Connoissuer SE is pretty much pointless if you're buying one second hand - the price differential won't be that much but the extras you get will be amazing.

They handle mileage well, but be aware they need new MAF's every 60-80k(€80), clutches tend to go around 80-110k and when they do go, you need a new clutch, master cylinder and slave cylinder(about €650 if you shop around, including parts).

Common problems are:
Blocked plenum chambers, which if not dealt with will eventually fry the ECU(when I got mine, I unblocked the plenum chamber with a rod and about 3l of water poured onto my driverway)
Boot leaks from rear light seals - check boot for signs of damp and use it to haggle price down, as it's an easy fix
Make sure it has two working keys, as getting a second key cut is expensive.
Check the cooling fan works at low and high speeds(chuck on the heating, check it works, then put the desired temperature at least 10degrees above outside temp).
Check bonnet opens, as the cable junction box failing is a common problem.
Check window seals are keeping water out of the door and clearing the window as it goes down/up

There's a few more things, but nothing really important.
It's worth getting a good one up north/england, as the VRT for them is dirt cheap.

Tragedy

argosy2006 wrote: »

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201005351794056/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/automatic/fuel-type/diesel/model/607/make/peugeot/radius/1500/page/1/keywords/leather/postcode/gl52rs?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fused%2Fcars%2Fpeugeot%2F607%2Fpostcode%2Fgl52rs%2Fradius%2F1500%2Fkeywords%2Fleather%2Ftransmission%2Fautomatic%2Ffuel-type%2Fdiesel%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F1&logcode=p prefer this to a rover, same value,,,

YOu'll find plenty of 01 diesel 75's for cheaper, with lower mileage and better spec.

They'll be cheaper to run, tax, insure and VRT.

Padraig Mor

CharlieCroker wrote: »

The only real problem with the rover 75 was the 1.8's ability to go through headgaskets

Can confirm that from experience! Great barge though - so comfortable. I'd have a diesel in a flash if I was on the lookout for a cheap runabout.

Actually, I still have a 75 burr walnut gearknob if anyone wants it....

mcwhirter

The diesel tourer with electric leather seats etc is recommended, cheap to run, 46mpg average on manual, cheap to service other than clutch and still loads of parts available other then body parts especially the facelift versions post 2004.
Also tweak with synergy 2 box and you have a very powerful motor.

Forget about the bad image problem, they are good cars.

Ruby_Woo

My Dad has a 75 and won't part with it for anything, he absolutely loves it. In fact he's going up to the North next week to see if he can get a newer one.

I have to say I think it's a great car too - loads of bang for your buck with it and it's so comfortable.

I was in a friends new 2010 Audi A4 the other day and the seats had nothing on my Dad's 10yr old 75!

Definitely a very under-rated car and totally bargaintastic these days too!

Padraig Mor, mind me asking how much you're looking for for the Gear Knob? Wouldn't mind surprising my aul lad with one especially if he doesn't get anything in the UK next week.

VolvoMan

I don't know what it is but I actually love the retro style of the 75 and all the other similarly styled cars. I also quite liked the Jag S-type and the outgoing XJ.

CharlieCroker

I remember being at the unveiling of the 75 and the S-type when I was a young lad at the NEC in 1998 iirc. It was the 75 that everyone was crowding around and wanted to see and not the jag.

Mr Benevolent

Has anyone had any problems with the 75 autobox? I've heard one or two things about 'box reliability after a few years. Although I suspect that most Irish 75's are manual.

VolvoMan

CharlieCroker wrote: »

I remember being at the unveiling of the 75 and the S-type when I was a young lad at the NEC in 1998 iirc. It was the 75 that everyone was crowding around and wanted to see and not the jag.

And wasn't it Bernd Pichetsrieder who then messed up the launch by declaring a load of rubbish about Rover's uncertain future?

VolvoMan

VolvoMan wrote: »

And wasn't it Bernd Pichetsrieder who then messed up the launch by declaring a load of rubbish about Rover's uncertain future?

Yep, BMW insisted on the unveiling at the NEC, the original plan to debut the following Spring at Geneva. So there was some month between the debut in Autumn 98 and general release to the public. The word on the street was that this was due to quality issues.

That BP muppet effectively used spotlight of the launch of a great new car to question the future of Rover :rolleyes:

L-M

Actually, out of curiousity what are peoples opinions on the newer shape/Versus the older shape 75? I think the pre facelift is much, much nicer.

JHMEG

Tragedy wrote: »

Rover 75/ZT's have Mitsubishi TD025 turbos,

So it took a Japanese turbo to make it reliable? :P

unkel

JHMEG wrote: »

So it took a Japanese turbo to make it reliable? :P

And you'll be delighted to hear the slushbox in the 75 is made by the Japanese Automatic Transmission Company

JHMEG

unkel wrote: »

And you'll be delighted to hear the slushbox in the 75 is made by the Japanese Automatic Transmission Company

Good old Jatco.

Erren Music

Confab wrote: »

Has anyone had any problems with the 75 autobox? I've heard one or two things about 'box reliability after a few years. Although I suspect that most Irish 75's are manual.

The Jatco is ultra reliable.

Make sure the gbox oil has been changed every 90,000 miles.
Make sure car is serviced every 15,000 miles.

I have an 01 conn SE, auto, leather (cream), diesel. 40+ mpg motorway mileage since 2003. Very comfortable luxurious car.

Always check the coolant and change every 4 years, always get the front thermostat housing checked, very common leak area, and the part is only a fiver.

One Oil cooler pipes burst after 7 or 8 years but are only 40 quid each. If this happens beware the removal, because you can break the oil cooler pump (very rare)

Battery 8 years. the car will warn you when anything fails.

Watch the rear door handles due to lack of use.

Wishbones and anti roll stabs and bushes last about 8 years.

Shocks last 4-6 years. I get 30,000 miles out of a set of bridgestones, tried pirelli p6000's (sh1te), dunlops (about 20k OK ISH)

VolvoMan

Limerick man wrote: »

Actually, out of curiousity what are peoples opinions on the newer shape/Versus the older shape 75? I think the pre facelift is much, much nicer.

Yep, they ruined it all right. It was also when they cheapened a lot of the car and made it cheaper to produce, such as replacing the real wood dashboard with fake plastic veneer.

Erren Music

Limerick man wrote: »

Actually, out of curiousity what are peoples opinions on the newer shape/Versus the older shape 75? I think the pre facelift is much, much nicer.

Older shape with chrome strips much classier. It rivals the Jag S type and is a much more sensible car. Yearly tax of €600 odd euro. €80 euro a year to service on average, if I drove at 55mph it would do 55mpg.

In auto it is bliss to cruise around in. They are pretty fast in sport mode, and they have an Ice and snow mode too. A cracking sound system and every electric extra you can have. All my electrics still work perfectly, however a stone is stuck somewhere in my drivers window and it squeeks for the 1st inch (i have to fix soon).

A mate of mine says tight gits own them, and they should come with a pipe and slippers but thats not really true. They are owned by people who like the shape and comfort. Its a BMW 3/5 series thats better and more luxurious than a BMW. And lets face it, my cars as economical as a Nissan Micra 1.0 L.

Erren Music

Erren Music wrote: »

€80 euro a year to service on average

That would be a year where nothing beyond an oil and filter change was required

Tragedy

VolvoMan wrote: »

Yep, they ruined it all right. It was also when they cheapened a lot of the car and made it cheaper to produce, such as replacing the real wood dashboard with fake plastic veneer.

That all happened before the facelift actually, the worst years for Project Drive were 2002-2003

Erren Music

RoverJames wrote: »

That would be a year where nothing beyond an oil and filter change was required

Ah yeah of course, fuel filter adds extra 30 euro and bridgestone tyres add 300 every 2nd year. aside from that, thats it.

everything lasts well. you will spend money on its 4th and 8th birthday, but when you have had one for 5 years with loyal service you don't mind looking after her.

broke down once and that was the oil cooler pipe, happened 2 weeks before she was going in to have gearbox oil changed so it only cost me the extra 40 each for the pipes.

Esel

Thanks for all the great info here, guys. I'm considering a CDTi Tourer at the moment....

It's a Club SE. Would I be better advised to hold out for the Connoisseur SE?

Padraig Mor

esel wrote: »

Thanks for all the great info here, guys. I'm considering a CDTi Tourer at the moment....

It's a Club SE. Would I be better advised to hold out for the Connoisseur SE?

Club doesn't have leather. No leather = no sale.

VolvoMan

Tragedy wrote: »

That all happened before the facelift actually, the worst years for Project Drive were 2002-2003

My bad.

They did stop painting the wing mirror covers on lower models after the facelift though.

colm_mcm

I think you can tell which factory they were built in by whether the sills are colour coded or black.

Coloured sills = built in Cowley
Black sills = built in Logbridge

I know many folk reckon the Cowley built ones are better built by far.

colm_mcm

Yep, I also heard that but I would've thought the BMW ones would be better. maybe I have it arseways.

Note: some Cowley cars had painted sills too. Dunno if there's a proper way to know - probably from the chassis number. I'm not enough of an anorak to know that but I'm sure it's on t'iternet somewhere.

Rear wheel arch liners were one item dropped I believe.

VolvoMan

colm_mcm wrote: »

Yep, I also heard that but I would've thought the BMW ones would be better. maybe I have it arseways.

You do.

The BMW ones were built in Cowley (where the MINI is made now) and then when the company was sold for a tenner to four dodgy businessmen, production moved to Longbridge.

Mr Benevolent

RoverJames wrote: »

Rear wheel arch liners were one item dropped I believe.

I've heard differing dates on this, but do you know for certain when Project Drive started? I'd be keen to avoid any 75 soiled by penny-pinching in the manufacturing department.

Edit: Found it. 15/01/2001.