Rover 75
The 75 should have heralded a new age for Rover. Instead it became the orphaned love child of the Rover/BMW relationship. BMW took the bouncing baby Mini and Rover kept the retro styled teenage son.
And with no money left to revitalize its other ageing models it knew that the 75 had to succeed.
At launch the signs were good. Public and press likened the 75 to the more expensive Jaguar S-TYPE, and externally the car evoked memories of Rovers glory days. On the inside the wood, chrome and cream dials of the dashboard created an air of well being. It felt and looked like a real Rover.
So we all waited. We waited for this Rover to do what every other Rover for the past 25 years has done. Break down, fall apart and depreciate heavily.
But nearly 4 years after its launch none of the above has happened. The Rover 75 is a good car. So buying a used one makes sense.
Start by visiting your local Rover dealer. The years of uncertainty about the future of Rover have starved many of them of profits and some now look shabby compared to the German manufacturers gin palaces. However you are likely to be greeted by enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff that will be able to guide you through the extensive Rover 75 range.
Second hand Rover 75s are available in three trims Classic, Club or Connoisseur. They all come with electric front windows, leather steering wheel, wood trim and twin airbags. Only the base Classic misses out on air conditioning or climate control.
When the car was new Rover tempted customers with a long list of options, including SE versions. So second hand you will struggle to find two cars the same. You may be lucky and find a Classic fitted with leather upholstery, alloy wheels and air conditioning, and that will cost less than a similar age Connoisseur model.
75s are powered by 1.8, 2.0 or 2.5 V6 Rover K series engines or the BMW 2.0 diesel that is also found in the 3 series. The smaller engines are eager and reasonably economical but my choice would be the 174BHP V6. With the optional auto box it remains quick, smooth and will return over 30mpg in mixed driving. Auto is an option on all models. If you do high mileage then consider the diesel, it will return 45mpg and the engine will outlast the car.
Insurance groups are low, particularly on the 1.8 petrol and 2.0 diesel (8 or 9 dependant on insurer). Servicing is every 15,000 miles or 12 months with the average bill being about £200.The 2.5 has a big service at 60Kmiles when the cam belt is changed, this will cost about £600, check this has been done if you buy a high mileage car.
Second hand prices are reasonable and choice is now wide. Buying from a main dealer will give you a 12 month warranty and you can be sure of the cars history. If you fancy buying privately check the service history, trim wears well on these cars which makes them a target for clocking.
Check the following
60,000 mile service on the V6 will cost you £600
Avoid base cars in non metallic
Remote control your Rover dealer can personalize your settings so you can unlock one door or all doors
All UK cars have a 3 year/60,000mile warranty
Gearbox - manual and auto are both 5-speed
Avoid early cars in Yellow Primrose you will never be able to get rid of it
All models have alloys apart from the standard Classic model
Dashboard cream dials, wood trim and chrome surrounds make the Rover 75 feel special
Seats contrasting piping on leather seats looks great
Under the bonnet - Rover dealer will update ECU information when the car is serviced, this will improve performance and economy
Satellite navigation is not standard on any models
Build quality and reliability are universally praised by owners
The one to buy
Rover 75 Club in Royal Blue metallic with Sandstone beige velour
2.5 V6 auto
1999 T with 40K miles
Pay £10,250 at a Rover main dealer or £9,250 privately
© Jason Dawe Productions Limited October 2002