Rover 75R

It is cheap for a reason.

Avoid.

I am not usually a greae enthusiast of Wikipedia, but the sad story of Austin/Rover, The Rover Group, and MG/Rover may be seen here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_Rover_Group

IMO, unless the car is virtually to be had for nothing then best avoided.

ATB from George

PS: Just a s ample from the main taxt, showing just how sad the story really was:

"When BMW sold off its interests, MG Rover was bought for a nominal £10 in May 2000 by a specially-assembled group of businessmen known as the Phoenix Consortium. The consortium was headed by ex-Rover Chief Executive John Towers."

Lots of the info you seek here perhaps; What Car Rover 75.

MG Rover did not go belly up because of the 75. In fact it was a well engineered vehicle with some character, and BMW had some input into design and manufacure. Very much designed for comfort rather than sportiness it suferred from a poor image and dreadful resale values. The last few were sold off after the company went bust at very low prices and were probably a serious bargain. I narrowly failed to snap up a nice diesel one for my Dad-who would have loved it.

A cheap s/h one that has been cared for may be a reasonable buy, but I'd make sure that parts are avaiable for servicing. The 1.8 K series petrol has a reputation for cooling/head gasket problems which are well documented in the various vehicles that used it (which were numerous) and may be best avoided on a high mileage example.

Bruce

What Bruce said.

Also the 1.8 K-series can give headgasket problems if not cared for. This means strict yearly coolant changes, filled slowly to avoid air-locks and the level checking weekly. It doesn't cost much cos there isn't much coolant.

Sadly part of BMW's input was to swap the steel dowels that locate the cylinder head for plastic ones. A properly repaired one will have steel dowels and subject to the above maintenance regime won't give any trouble.

So far we have had two 'avoids' yet no proper reason why.

The K-series is quite advanced in its construction and is very light hence Lotus chose it use it in the Elise.

A potential bargain!

Cheers
Steve

Why not buy a Rover 75?

Because the company that made it is not longer trading, and there is no guarantee that any part required for it to be serviceable may be obtained, because the manufacturere is defunct, - as is the reputation of Rover...

Sad but true, ATB from George

quote:

Originally posted by GFFJ:
Why not buy a Rover 75?

Because the company that made it is not longer trading, and there is no guarantee that any part required for it to be serviceable may be obtained, because the manufacturere is defunct, - as is the reputation of Rover...

Sad but true, ATB from George

There's a whole industry built up around the K-series drivetrains, perhaps not quite as big as the Sierra Cosworth aftermarket industry but still big enough to support any parts issues. Service items are easily catered for by the usual suspects for pattern parts. Rimmer Brothers have just started their online operation for MG Rover which I would expect to be fairly comprehensive judging by their Range Rover standards.

Interior trim is a always a problem regardless of whether the manufacturer is still trading or not once several years have passed since.

Plus 60% of the 75's componentry is BMW sourced....


Cheers
Steve

Dear Steve,

I understand, therefore, that you consider buying a Rover 75 a sensible proposition.

All I will say is that I can think of quite few worthier out of production motors to go for, and which would certainly be easier to keep running in the longer term. I am not just talking engine head gaskets or whatever, but such crucial things as suspension bushes, radiators, wiper motors - the whole gamut. I agree that the dreadful K-series engine may actually be capable of being kept going inspite of its fundament unsatisfactory nature. It is a poor engine with almost the maintainanace requirements of a Rolls Royce, or Ferrari. A load of high maintainance unreliable rubbish if we are honest, and a travesty of what was shown to be possible in earlier Austin designs, from which it is derived.

Consider whether you would prefer as Volvo 240 or a Rover 75? Apparently similar in some ways [not least the antiquated styling], the Volvo has a good engine, and a robust, reliable, proven very durable design and construction, and is still completely serviceable. It may be argued that the Rover is prettier. That is where the advantage of the Rover ends, and not just by a narrow margin.

The Volvo may be bought for very little, and that very little would still be more than a Rover 75 of half the age would be worth, IMO ...

ATB from George

Thanks for the replies.

I take the "avoid".

Arye

George,

It could be a sensible proposition, chosen carefully just as you should with any vehicle.

I'm quite familiar with out of production vehicles, with my Granada being out of production for 31 years
yet still on its original suspension bushes, ball joints and wiper motor. The radiator has been replaced though.


The K-series was not derived from anything, it was a brand new design using ladder frame construction and it is quite different
from your antiquated B20 unit found in your Volvo that was derived from the Amazon of the 60s. The goal was light weight with a decent
specific output, this was achieved, hence it found its way into Lotus's, Caterhams etc

I agree that the B20 was reliable, thanks to being over-engineered and having a low specific output. Not unique though as much of Wolfsburg's
output was similarly long lived. Similar with the Rover V8 (1950's Buick technology)

What is the maintenance schedule for a K-series then that isn't required by other manufacturers? I change the coolant every year in all my vehicles
along with the brake fluid. Having brake fluid over two years old in the system isn't an achievement. The coolant isn't of a concern in the B20 due to it's all iron nature.

Aaah well, the OP has now decided against it.

My Gardener has just bought a Land Rover Freelander 1.8 and has asked me to check it over thoroughly...so I may have to eat my words

Cheers
Steve

I don't see in Israel the K model with 1.8 litter. There are no diesels too. They come with 2 litter engine or V6 2.5 litter. All the cars are top equipped (I check since the year 2000) like expensive luxury cars including 4 wheels drive with electronic control.

Arye

Why avoid?

What George said about parts availability. Plus the fact that (here in the UK at least), these are virtually unsaleable. That is fine if you're planning to run it into the ground, but if you want to have any expectation of getting something back when you get rid.

You might want to have a look at pistonheads.com to see the "shed of the week" though!

Another vote here for the Rover 75. A very nice, comfortable car that holds some of the charm of the original big Rovers, and pretty well bolted together to boot (and in the rest of it...)

A few years ago I had one of the original Lotus Elise models with a 1.8 K series engine, and it was a lovely thing indeed. No problems with the engine at all although admittedly I only did 5 or 6 thousand miles in her.

quote:

Originally posted by Arye_Gur:
I don't see in Israel the K model with 1.8 litter. There are no diesels too. They come with 2 litter engine or V6 2.5 litter. All the cars are top equipped (I check since the year 2000) like expensive luxury cars including 4 wheels drive with electronic control.

Arye

No Diesels, that can only be a good thing. Best left in tractors!

The 2 litre and 2.5 litre are V6s, no direct relation to the 1.1-1.8 K series. They're a bit thirsty and correct servicing is important but
other than that they are OK.
NB this isn't the same engine that was fitted to the Rover 800s



Cheers
Steve

quote:

Originally posted by oscarskeeper:
Why avoid?

What George said about parts availability. Plus the fact that (here in the UK at least), these are virtually unsaleable. That is fine if you're planning to run it into the ground, but if you want to have any expectation of getting something back when you get rid.

You might want to have a look at pistonheads.com to see the "shed of the week" though!

They don't fetch top money I'll agree but then you'll have less to lose if/when you decide to sell.

There aren't any parts problems, Xpart, Rimmer Brothers, your local motor factors for service items.

Cheers
Steve

quote:

oscarskeeper asks: Why avoid?

I'm afraid of a shortage in parts as was mentioned here especially when the car is loaded with features and extras.

I'll check with the main local motor services of Rover here.

Arye

I think there's an agreement in the motor industry to have enough spare parts for 10 years after production ceases.

A work colleague has a 75 with a BMW turbo diesel in it. A very weak engine, and the interior is something Huggy Bear would aspire to. Perhaps that suits my friend! It has been reliable for 2 years of heavy motorway use.

Tony

quote:

Also the 1.8 K-series can give headgasket problems if not cared for

Even if cared for! I had one in an MGF which blew up after 20000 dealer-maintained miles.

Bruce Woodhouse,

Thanks for addressing me to the What Car site. It is a helpful site.
Arye

I went today to the main garage of Land Rover in Israel. I told the man in the gate that I want to ask about Rover R75 and the guy addressed me to the chief of the mechanics there - and this guy, after had heard that I'm thinking of buying a Rover R 75 answered me shortly: "don't touch it".

Bye bye Rover.

Arye

Personally I always thought the Rover 75 seemed a pretty nice car and I have a friend who is happy with his. Still there are always alternatives - you could do what I have done and buy a Jag. I picked up this one for £4000 and spent about £2000 getting various things done to bring it up to scratch (the biggest element of which was having the timing chains and tensioners replaced with the latest type - the earlier ones were a known weakness.)



Mine has an LPG conversion so 22mpg at 50p a litre equates to about 44mpg on petrol. Plus it has style and comfort fit for a president, it's so quiet at 90mph you cannot hear the engine and it handles incredibly well for a big car. Grace, pace and space was never so affordable. I drove it (when I bought it) from Dundee to Sussex and got out feeling as if I hadn't driven far enough!!

I really cannot understand why the British build such beautiful cars and yet so few people buy them compared to the German equivalent - particularly now that the quality and reliability issues of the 70's are resolved. I don't think Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston, Bentley have ever been as good as they are now, indeed I'd go so far as to say that their models are now the class leaders in every sense of the word - for example I think the new Jag XF is genuinely a better car than a BMW 5 series or Audi A6.

Mine is the 3.2 V8 XJ but there's also the XJR Supercharged version which is in my view probably the finest saloon car in the world.

Jonathan

quote:

Originally posted by Jonathan Gorse:

I really cannot understand why the British build such beautiful cars and yet so few people buy them compared to the German equivalent - particularly now that the quality and reliability issues of the 70's are resolved. I don't think Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston, Bentley have ever been as good as they are now, indeed I'd go so far as to say that their models are now the class leaders in every sense of the word - for example I think the new Jag XF is genuinely a better car than a BMW 5 series or Audi A6.

Mine is the 3.2 V8 XJ but there's also the XJR Supercharged version which is in my view probably the finest saloon car in the world.

Jonathan

To be pedantic Bentley are German owned (and increasingly manufactured), Land Rover, Jaguar and Aston have been US owned until recently!

More to the point, I think it takes a long time for reputations to be turned around. Jaguar is a case in point. They score well in reliability and satisfaction surveys now but the horrors of previous incarnations take a while to disapear from the public conciousness. Compare with the brand image of BMW, Audi and Merc. They have built a soild reputation both over a consistent time and also across a product portfolio. Those range includes vehicles of various sizes and styles, but with consistent chracteristics, style and philosophy. The whole brand culture feels 'robust' and impressive. Jaguar has produced cars of variable quality and merit-and still does (X-type anyone? Someone?). It has been seen to wax and wane which fails to build brand confidence. It has also struggled to build a new customer base with stagnant design and an image that remains staid and old-fashioned. The XF appears to be a fine piece of engineering but is gawky and ill-resolved to look at I think. This ultimately comes down to a company without prolonged substantial investment and development.

Personally I'm amazed Land Rover sell as many vehicles as they do!

Bruce

quote:

Aston have been US owned until recently!

Has Randy Lerner sold up then?

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:
Personally I'm amazed Land Rover sell as many vehicles as they do!
Bruce

Personally, I've had nothing but good experiences with the Land Rovers I've owned. The old ones I had back in the late sixties/early seventies all had enormous mileages and although not 100% reliable, their few faults were easily fixed and often a result of my incompetent servicing!

Needing a 4X4 again a few years ago we test-drove various models, and we much preferred the Discovery over the rest. Despite dire warnings from everyone, we bought one from Holland (saving ourselves some £8K in the process!) and in the course of three years knocked up 60K completely trouble-free miles, including some long-distance continental runs towing a rather large caravan.

After a brief period of owning a Toyota Land Cruiser we bought a Range Rover a couple of years ago, which again has been totally reliable and is a complete joy to drive and own. It's a complex vehicle with more gadgets than you can shake a stick at, so it must be that much harder to achieve high levels of reliability compared with a small japanese saloon. This applies to Jaguar as well.

I agree it's all about perceptions and car makers such as Jaguar and Land Rover have had to work hard to recover from poor reputations. The most unreliable car I ever owned was a Mercedes.

If you owned an unreliable jaguar people would say 'told you so'. If you own an unreliable Merc people put it down to bad luck. Such brand perceptions are worth millions!

Bruce

quote:

Jonathan says: I don't think ... Bentley have ever been as good as they are now...

Well, now they have Naim Audio

Arye