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Opinions on Rover 75

  • 12-07-2010 07:45PM
    #1
    veetwin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭


    A family member has his heart set on one of these having owned 2 previously. (Both of which died) I think its this one

    http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Rover/75/SALOON-%28/201008197017538/advert?channel=CARS

    Personally I think its nuts. The VRT is over €3K!

    Any opinions on this or any suggestions as alternatives? Budget less than €10. Relatively low annual mileage and completely uninterested in cars.


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Mr. Presentable
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,495 ✭✭✭Mr. Presentable


    I was recently warned off one by a mechanic who said the head gasket is only good for 20k. In fact, he showed me the stack of replacement ones he keeps.


  • #3
    veetwin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭veetwin


    I know the last two he had were forever giving problems but yet he wants to come back for more!


  • #4
    alwaysadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,554 ✭✭✭✭alwaysadub


    veetwin wrote: »
    A family member has his heart set on one of these having owned 2 previously. (Both of which died) I think its this one

    http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Rover/75/SALOON-%28/201008197017538/advert?channel=CARS

    Personally I think its nuts. The VRT is over €3K!

    Any opinions on this or any suggestions as alternatives? Budget less than €10. Relatively low annual mileage and completely uninterested in cars.

    Well, if he's only going to pay under a tenner for it, it might just be worth it.


  • #5
    mcwhirter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭mcwhirter


    Go for the diesel version if you want reliability. Its the bmw engine, 40-50 mpg and lasts a long time. Not much else goes wrong with these cars other than clutches. Buy a high spec if possible, the majority registered originally in the republic were low spec.

    Try this forum for more information
    http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/


  • #6
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,608 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    That driver's seat looks pretty worn for a car with only 57k miles on the clock.


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  • #7
    veetwin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭veetwin


    mcwhirter wrote: »
    Go for the diesel version if you want reliability. Its the bmw engine, 40-50 mpg and lasts a long time. Not much else goes wrong with these cars other than clutches. Buy a high spec if possible, the majority registered originally in the republic were low spec.

    Try this forum for more information
    http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/

    In fairness it seems to be a farly high spec with low mileage. It has leather, Sat nav and auto so the clutch shouldn't be a problem! Finding it hard to find an alternative for around the same money. Diesel versions are rare and usually very high mileage.


  • #8
    -Corkie-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,025 ✭✭✭✭-Corkie-


    Better of with this one. Good thing is that a boardsie owns it aswell. Tis a bit older allright.

    http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=241759


  • #9
    Max Power1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,272 ✭✭✭✭Max Power1


    Thanks to sarason for the plug :P

    They are a nice car to drive. Feels like the barge it is.

    As with all of the 1.8k rovers, the head gaskets are prone to going. The key is to keep an eye on the coolant level and engine temp gauage.

    If you can stretch to buying a diesel id get the diesel version, however the petrol isnt that much worse on consumption (especially the 1.8). Ive gotten 30mpg on mostly short runs at average speeds of 40 mph.

    Plenty of spare parts around if something does go wrong.

    (Im sure roverjames will be along to this thread shortly)


  • #10
    -Corkie-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,025 ✭✭✭✭-Corkie-


    Max Power1 wrote: »
    Thanks to sarason for the plug :P

    They are a nice car to drive. Feels like the barge it is.

    As with all of the 1.8k rovers, the head gaskets are prone to going. The key is to keep an eye on the coolant level and engine temp gauage.

    If you can stretch to buying a diesel id get the diesel version, however the petrol isnt that much worse on consumption (especially the 1.8). Ive gotten 30mpg on mostly short runs at average speeds of 40 mph.

    Plenty of spare parts around if something does go wrong.

    (Im sure roverjames will be along to this thread shortly)

    No bother. :cool:


  • #11
    mcwhirter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭mcwhirter


    veetwin wrote: »
    In fairness it seems to be a farly high spec with low mileage. It has leather, Sat nav and auto so the clutch shouldn't be a problem! Finding it hard to find an alternative for around the same money. Diesel versions are rare and usually very high mileage.

    Just be aware the v6 can become expensive with belt changes etc, get it looked over by an independent as the drivers seat looks grubby for mileage.


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  • #12
    Barr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,154 ✭✭✭Barr


    Go for the diesel , the 2.4 petrol is a poor unit.


  • #13
    Max Power1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,272 ✭✭✭✭Max Power1


    Barr wrote: »
    Go for the diesel , the 2.4 petrol is a poor unit.
    Werent the petrol engines 1.8, 2.0, 2.5 V6 and 4.6V8 in the 75?


  • #14
    dr.fuzzenstein
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 16,620 ✭✭✭✭dr.fuzzenstein


    75 actually refers to the minimum age you'll have to be to drive one.


  • #15
    dirtydiesel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 528 ✭✭✭dirtydiesel


    nipplenuts wrote: »
    I was recently warned off one by a mechanic who said the head gasket is only good for 20k. In fact, he showed me the stack of replacement ones he keeps.
    What is it with rovers and headgaskets? is there any model they made that didnt blow a gasket?


  • #16
    Max Power1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,272 ✭✭✭✭Max Power1


    dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »
    75 actually refers to the minimum age you'll have to be to drive one.
    There are a few few exceptions to this rule.


    pipe, slippers and smoking jacket are all mandatory though :p


  • #17
    Mr Benevolent
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,456 ✭✭✭✭Mr Benevolent


    The newer (2002 and later) ones are awful, they cut every cost they could without actually ripping out the seats and giving the driver a milk crate to sit on. Go for the diesel, preferably the auto Connoisseur SE. No HG problems there. I'll be buying one in the next year or so, and it'll probably be an import.


  • #18
    Max Power1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,272 ✭✭✭✭Max Power1


    Confab wrote: »
    The newer (2002 and later) ones are awful, they cut every cost they could without actually ripping out the seats and giving the driver a milk crate to sit on. Go for the diesel, preferably the auto Connoisseur SE. No HG problems there. I'll be buying one in the next year or so, and it'll probably be an import.
    The key is its the build models made up to 2002 that are the better quality ones.

    One way to know if you have a "good" build one as opposed to the later cut price builds are if the sills are silver, or body colored. The sills are silver on the earlier ones


  • #19
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,551 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    nipplenuts wrote: »
    I was recently warned off one by a mechanic who said the head gasket is only good for 20k. In fact, he showed me the stack of replacement ones he keeps.

    That comment doesn't apply to the 2.5KV6 really, head gasket failure is quite rare on them compared to the 4 cylinder K series units. Although the version fitted to the Rover 800 was very very prone to it, more or less sorted in the 75s.
    dirtydiesel wrote: »
    What is it with rovers and headgaskets? is there any model they made that didnt blow a gasket?

    Rare enough on 2.0 KV6 and 2.5 KV6 units, L series (diesels) more or less unheard of unless running very high boost, T series also very rare.

    The most common cause of HG failure on a 4 pot K series is folks running them on low coolant levels, actual HG failure due to the gasket failing is not as common as folks would believe. Also if folks pulled over instead of cooking the engine the fix would only be a couple of hundred over the price of a cambelt and waterpump change. F**ktard mechanics throwing in a new gasket without diagnosing the actual cause of the coolant loss is a big issue too, I have a Rover Coupe that the previous owner had the HG fail 2 times in a few months, when I bought it she was still leaking coolant, €0.50 cent in the local hardware shop and all fixed.

    About the car linked to, timing belt change is 90,000 miles or 6 years, could be €1000 if you find someone willing to do it. She is either 160 or 190bhp, personally I wouldn't touch it to be honest. Virtually unsellable in the ROI due to image & €1000 ish / annum road tax.


  • #20
    veetwin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭veetwin


    RoverJames wrote: »
    That comment doesn't apply to the 2.5KV6 really, head gasket failure is quite rare on them compared to the 4 cylinder K series units. Although the version fitted to the Rover 800 was very very prone to it, more or less sorted in the 75s.



    Rare enough on 2.0 KV6 and 2.5 KV6 units, L series (diesels) more or less unheard of unless running very high boost, T series also very rare.

    The most common cause of HG failure on a 4 pot K series is folks running them on low coolant levels, actual HG failure due to the gasket failing is not as common as folks would believe. Also if folks pulled over instead of cooking the engine the fix would only be a couple of hundred over the price of a cambelt and waterpump change. F**ktard mechanics throwing in a new gasket without diagnosing the actual cause of the coolant loss is a big issue too, I have a Rover Coupe that the previous owner had the HG fail 2 times in a few months, when I bought it she was still leaking coolant, €0.50 cent in the local hardware shop and all fixed.

    About the car linked to, timing belt change is 90,000 miles or 6 years, could be €1000 if you find someone willing to do it. She is either 160 or 190bhp, personally I wouldn't touch it to be honest. Virtually unsellable in the ROI due to image & €1000 ish / annum road tax.

    Thanks RoverJames, I'll pass the info on but TBH he is probably going to buy it anyway. He likes the 75 having had 2 which more or less fell apart, partly due to his own bad driving and neglect. He probably wouldn't go for one as old as the one previously linked.


  • #21
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,551 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Well, at least the one linked to it auto. They'd want to give it a fairly decent valet though. Check for rattles off the manifold, the VIS motors fail on them too, not cheap.


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  • #22
    Owen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »
    75 actually refers to the minimum age you'll have to be to drive one.

    Arse. I'm 31 and I've got one. And it's chuckable in the corners too. Always surprises people when they see my 75 estate with a roof box full of painting equipment run rings around them. Meanwhile, I'm sitting on my leather heated seats listening to my music through the superb Harman Kardon sound system (Obviously I'm not watching TV on the move on the factory fitted TV system :D )

    If the car you're looking at has Nav, budget another 500 euro to buy a MKIV SatNav drive from eBay. The MKIII drive in the Rover is CD based and the maps are limited. The MKIV is a DVD drive, and you can get all of Europe on one disc, and if you update the firmware you end up with a perspective birdseye view too.


  • #23
    veetwin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭veetwin


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Well, at least the one linked to it auto. They'd want to give it a fairly decent valet though. Check for rattles off the manifold, the VIS motors fail on them too, not cheap.

    Maybe a stupid question but what a VIS motor?


  • #24
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,551 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    veetwin wrote: »
    Maybe a stupid question but what a VIS motor?

    variable induction system (I think, something along those lines anyway)motors on the inlet manifold, nasty things when they go wrong and they do so on many KV6 engines.


  • #25
    Tragedy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,056 ✭✭✭Tragedy


    veetwin wrote: »
    A family member has his heart set on one of these having owned 2 previously. (Both of which died) I think its this one

    http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Rover/75/SALOON-%28/201008197017538/advert?channel=CARS

    Personally I think its nuts. The VRT is over €3K!

    Any opinions on this or any suggestions as alternatives? Budget less than €10. Relatively low annual mileage and completely uninterested in cars.
    As a rule of thumb, go to England for a Rover 75. Occasionally you see a rare one up north that's good value, but they're few and far between. Much better selection in England and at far keener prices.

    For 10k, you'd easily pick up a 2005 facelift diesel auto in contemporary SE or conn se(contemporary is slightly better specced and has a more modern interior, more like an MG ZT) with low mileage.

    If your dad does want a 2.5 v6, he's better off getting an older one so he won't be utterly raped on VRT. I wouldn't worry about the tax, it's only €300 more than the diesel.
    nipplenuts wrote: »
    I was recently warned off one by a mechanic who said the head gasket is only good for 20k. In fact, he showed me the stack of replacement ones he keeps.
    Your mechanics a numpty then, only two out of 6 engine variants fitted to the Rover 75 ever suffered from HGF - the 1.8 and the 1.8T and even then, as RoverJames said, that was almost always due to coolant loss cooking the engine - not the headgasket failing.
    Max Power1 wrote: »
    If you can stretch to buying a diesel id get the diesel version, however the petrol isnt that much worse on consumption (especially the 1.8). Ive gotten 30mpg on mostly short runs at average speeds of 40 mph.

    Plenty of spare parts around if something does go wrong.

    (Im sure roverjames will be along to this thread shortly)
    A well serviced manual diesel should see you get 48-52mpg on long runs, Auto would bring that down to around 42-44.
    Confab wrote: »
    The newer (2002 and later) ones are awful, they cut every cost they could without actually ripping out the seats and giving the driver a milk crate to sit on. Go for the diesel, preferably the auto Connoisseur SE. No HG problems there. I'll be buying one in the next year or so, and it'll probably be an import.
    That's crap, look here to see what they removed. You could drive a pre project drive car, then jump into a project drive car and you most likely wouldn't notice a difference.
    And like all cars, later cars tended to be more reliable and solidly built than early cars.
    veetwin wrote: »
    Maybe a stupid question but what a VIS motor?
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_intake


  • #26
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,551 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Tragedy wrote: »

    Your mechanics a numpty then, only two out of 6 engine variants fitted to the Rover 75 ever suffered from HGF - the 1.8 and the 1.8T and even then, as RoverJames said, that was almost always due to coolant loss cooking the engine - not the headgasket failing.

    Indeed, I hope he also had some inlet manifold gaskets and water pumps to go with the stack of head gaskets he had stockpiled :)


  • #27
    Tragedy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,056 ✭✭✭Tragedy


    On the KV6 it's far more likely for the plastic thermostat to fail and cause overheating and HGF than it is for the headgasket. Rover started fitting strengthened headgaskets a long time ago!

    Veetwin look at these:
    http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=64480
    http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=64449


  • #28
    veetwin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭veetwin


    Thanks for all the info folks. This guy is an old school English educated guy from a family with money. He doesn't care much about cars or paying high tax or fuel bills. He would see diesel as the work of satan! AFAIK he has always driven British cars and I don't think he is going to change now. From what I can gather if your going to buy a petrol 75 it may as well be the 2.5 auto with a few bell and whistles. He will probably keep it for 3-5 years until he crashes it or it falls apart (He is also the worlds worst driver!)


  • #29
    thehomeofDob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,451 ✭✭✭thehomeofDob


    I'm 21 and I've got the 2ltr cdt diesel! Love it! Absolute pleasure to drive and it's so comfortable. Now... I've just had the front right coil spring snap, but I'm fairly sure that's down to the previous owner not replacing the bearing on the spring. I did as soon as I got the car, but I'm not sure how long it was left worn. Other than that, not a problem at all.


  • #30
    veetwin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭veetwin


    Wow a 21 and a 31 year old drive 75's..Could it become a "cool" car!


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  • #31
    Owen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    You should remap the cdt. I'm getting mine done this week after waiting for an age for my tuner to get the right file. It's going from 115Bhp to 159. Can't friggen wait.


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