Predictions for 5 years time

[Vanbursta]

I read daily of more and more 75's / ZT's being scrapped (and for minor problems). It occurs to me that at the rate we are seeing them go there aren't going to be many left in 5 years time. The scrapping situation can only get worse over time as the cars get older and less economic to repair, and the people who have the skill to do so move on to pastures anew. I guess it's good for those people who hang onto their cars and know how (or are able) to maintain them, it occurs to me that it might become impossible to repair our cars as parts and labour become increasingly hard to find. I saw a 75 in the local scrappy on the 3rd and they had crushed it the next day, when I asked I was told that "it's not worth selling the parts because of all the EU regulations". Do you think there will ever be a time when you can't justify keeping yours?

[Roger1]

I read daily of more and more 75's / ZT's being scrapped (and for minor problems). It occurs to me that at the rate we are seeing them go there aren't going to be many left in 5 years time. The scrapping situation can only get worse over time as the cars get older and less economic to repair, and the people who have the skill to do so move on to pastures anew. I guess it's good for those people who hang onto their cars and know how (or are able) to maintain them, it occurs to me that it might become impossible to repair our cars as parts and labour become increasingly hard to find. I saw a 75 in the local scrappy on the 3rd and they had crushed it the next day, when I asked I was told that "it's not worth selling the parts because of all the EU regulations". Do you think there will ever be a time when you can't justify keeping yours?

Never. What on earth would I replace them with? Can't afford a new Audi!
Also, I think we all know (or at least we all hope) that our cars will one day be true classics and will rise in price, especially the V8's.

[klarzy]

Never. What on earth would I replace them with? Can't afford a new Audi!
Also, I think we all know (or at least we all hope) that our cars will one day be true classics and will rise in price, especially the V8's.

I have driven some of the high end exec Audi's as hire cars.... they may have more poke but I much prefer the ride and feel of my 75 or ZT....

[Heddy]

Considering how good we feel these cars are they don't seem to be that popular. It's almost like we know something that the rest of the car buying public don't. Dunno if it's the image of the car or the image it's owner likes to portray. For the initial outlay and running costs these cars are worth having, seems not everyone is aware of that.:shrug:

[Roger1]

Considering how good we feel these cars are they don't seem to be that popular. It's almost like we know something that the rest of the car buying public don't. Dunno if it's the image of the car or the image it's owner likes to portray. For the initial outlay and running costs these cars are worth having, seems not everyone is aware of that.:shrug:

Years of bad press from a plonker named Clarkson didn't help. It's probably also fair to say that they never did appeal to the younger buyer - but perhaps were never intended to?

[Sonic ZS]

Considering how good we feel these cars are they don't seem to be that popular. It's almost like we know something that the rest of the car buying public don't. Dunno if it's the image of the car or the image it's owner likes to portray. For the initial outlay and running costs these cars are worth having, seems not everyone is aware of that.:shrug:

Don't say too much Heddy, or everyone's gonna want one...;)

But I agree with Vanbursta's comments regarding the speed at which they're crushed. Seems all the local yards are more interested in Citroen, Fords, Renaults and Peugeots. But I suppose there are far more of these marques running around now which are starting to require parts to keep 'em going. I guess the scrap yards see any Rover as just taking up space with minimal chance of any return from the sale of spares.

Unfortunately, 75's & ZT's are at that point where a reasonable sized MOT repair bill means scrap it & buy something else :duh: (or in the case of a certain Moonstone Tourer, just scrap it anyway... :mad: )

[Robson Rover Repair]

He didn't kill rover.

Rover killed rover.

If they had of sorted the k series gasket issue under warranty and done the improvement from the issue onwards they would still be in business.

I don't believe for a second in all the testing there wasn't HEADGASKET failure and it was only when the cars where sold when it was an issue.

They knew. The bean counters killed rover.

[Roger1]

He didn't kill rover.

Rover killed rover.

If they had of sorted the k series gasket issue under warranty and done the improvement from the issue onwards they would still be in business.

I don't believe for a second in all the testing there wasn't HEADGASKET failure and it was only when the cars where sold when it was an issue.

They knew. The bean counters killed rover.


Yes, you're right on that of course. I've not had any experience with the 4 cyl models, fortunately. I still believe that Top Gear did damage the 75's chance of better sales though, as did the BMW chief at the launch. The types of statements made, even when in humour as with TG, do influence punters significantly. Rover made many mistakes, but the 75 was and is a fine car which has proven to be far more reliable and comfortable into old age than many predicted, and which compares well with most of its contemporaries.

[Departed 32016]

I always think- would I recommend this car to anyone?

Yes but only if handy with a spanner.

Joe public wants something they can just put fuel in, pay someone to sevice it an even change a bulb, that's why there are do many boring "reliable cars"

I'm tending to find more than ever in the club that the 75/zt tends to be a second car, or in my case a 4th!

these cars are great but you need to be able to tinker...

[marinabrian]

He didn't kill rover.

Rover killed rover.

If they had of sorted the k series gasket issue under warranty and done the improvement from the issue onwards they would still be in business.

I don't believe for a second in all the testing there wasn't HEADGASKET failure and it was only when the cars where sold when it was an issue.

They knew. The bean counters killed rover.

I think you'll find a mixture of factors that led to the demise of MGR, the final nail in the coffin being the asset stripping exercise carried out by BMW.

To say they lost money in the process is wholly untrue, as the sale of JLR to Ford netted them more than they paid for Rover Group in it's entirety.

Don't forget the scuppering at the launch of the 75, the fact that the R50 Mini was retained, along with the 4WD technologies they desired.

The biggest culprit however of course has to be the buying public, why buy a British product when you can buy a foreign one? especially ones who's respective government supported in the form of subsidies.

I have a policy that I adhere to wherever possible, buying British.

Now some may think it strange that I would pay £200 for a Dualit toaster, or £175 for a pair of Doc Martens made in Wollaston by R.Griggs, than a pair for £60 made in China.

So there you go, my take on MGR's collapse :(

In terms of what would I replace my fleet of Rovers with?, absolutely nothing, and I have no plans to do so anytime soon ;)

I will also continue to support any individual who wishes to do likewise, to the best of my abilities.

Brian :D

[James.uk]

I can keep mine simply due to the fact that I have a really good local mechanic who is able to sort it's various foibles out for me. And our T4 boys on here, who can sort any probs that need a t4 ... :D

That's the megga problem with our cars, not many garages know how to look after them innit.. hence, when I was asked to find a car for my sister, (who lived in Islington). I found her a 1.6 Honda civic auto...... :}
...

[FrazzleTC]

I will not be moving away from Rovers, because they're what I like best, overall. I think that the 75 offers me everything that I need, and want in a car, for a price I can afford, and, slowly, I'm getting to be more hands-on with my maintenance of it.

I'm sure a lot of 75s will disappear, but, sadly, no matter what the car is, if there's not much value, they do disappear over time. A lot of bad cars will go, but some good ones will too, sadly. It's up to us as owners, and club members to preserve the interesting, and normal, but good cars.

[Kyletrek]

I love my Zt and even paid a lot of money to keep it going after an accident that would have certainly seen it written off or scrapped by a lot of people. I've still got money to spend after that including bumper re spray and rear arch damage (been there since I've owned it) and maybe bonnet as there's a rust bubble on it but I like my car and want to keep it as long as possible it's far from being as perfect as other cars on here but I do my best and have spent a considerable amount on this Zt and my 75 tourer and will continue to do so for as long as I can I've spent more on the car repairing it than the initial cost of the car. Chassis work alone was £400 out of my own pocket and still looking at about £300 in paintwork including both bumpers, rear arch and a couple of door dents and then some other bits and pieces

[steve1]

Totally agree with the hands on approach I have always been able to tinker with cars and enjoy getting my hands dirty, and when I drive my car I enjoy the comfort and looks that I get when I drive it, satisfaction all round!

[Doc Evil]

I have already spent more than the car is worth and I don't regret a penny of it
It is my intention to keep the car on the road along with another Rover or MG until they put me in a box whatever the cost

Doc

[Duotone]

He didn't kill rover.

Rover killed rover.

If they had of sorted the k series gasket issue under warranty and done the improvement from the issue onwards they would still be in business.

I don't believe for a second in all the testing there wasn't HEADGASKET failure and it was only when the cars where sold when it was an issue.

They knew. The bean counters killed rover.

I don't believe MG Rover ever refused warranty work on head gaskets or anything else while they were trading.

I had Rover 75's from 2000 and always had any warranty work carried out promptly and for free, as it should have been.

As Brian says it's a simple fact, Rover was killed by people not buying enough MG Rover products.

Dave T

[ProfDave]

I will have my MGR collective and the Minis and probably the Bongo but I am rather hoping my main car will be a Tesla. There I said it. Let the abuse commence!

[Sidetops]

I'll probably hold on to mine even when I buy my next Rover, although that one may have a "Land.... " before it :D

[guru]

I think MGR's ultimate demise was caused by the people who thought that the path to success was cost and spec cutting rather then by improving on the quality and desirability of the product. The person who came up with project drive and the idiots that nodded along mindlessly should have all been put in a room and shot.

As for the predictions, well you only have to take a look at the rover 800 forum to see how this story plays out. Yes there will be a lot more lost however eventually the slaughter will end and the real enthusiasts will step out to save what remains. Sadly we're still probably 10 years away from the 75 becoming a classic and actually starting to gain in value.

[roverbarmy]

I love tinkering ( ex hgv mechanic ), I love to support British made goods ( despite the Honda and BMW influences in Rover) so I love my 75. I previously loved my 414, 214 and various P6's, my Princess (Yes really!), my minis (several) my Midget and my Moggy 1000s.:shrug:
People often say "You've bought a what?!" and are then amazed when they actually ride in it. A colleague recently reluctantly accepted a lift and couldn't believe the comfort and spec in my car, which cost a quarter of what he paid for his Dagenham dustbin!:duh:
The MG Rover demise started when it was BL and the unions were killing various British institutions (not a political statement by the way but a fact). I saw what went on behind the scenes at BL (especially the night shifts). No wonder the foreign car companies did so well.

[e668ecp]

He didn't kill rover.

Rover killed rover.

If they had of sorted the k series gasket issue under warranty and done the improvement from the issue onwards they would still be in business.

I don't believe for a second in all the testing there wasn't HEADGASKET failure and it was only when the cars where sold when it was an issue.

They knew. The bean counters killed rover.

No the last UK government hammered the nail in the coffin good and proper. No government agency could purchase Rovers from 2000-2004... what a joke. I hope those people never get in power again!

[e668ecp]

I think MGR's ultimate demise was caused by the people who thought that the path to success was cost and spec cutting rather then by improving on the quality and desirability of the product. The person who came up with project drive and the idiots that nodded along mindlessly should have all been put in a room and shot.



Rubbish.. without project drive MG Rover would not have survived beyond 18months after BMW bailed out. All manufacturers look to and do cut costs in cars from about 12-18months after they are launched. Granted it went too far but it kept them in jobs

[VMax1000]

Let's keep the way we feel about these cars and the way the car drives a secret.:D

You don't want Joe B. chasing for it and than scrapping it because of a blown light bulb or some other undefined issue that cost more than a tenner:getmecoat:

[Jules]

Let's not forget gents that the Phoenix Four John Towers, Nick Stephenson, Peter Beale and John Edwards had a part in the demise of MGR.
They got a way with £9 million each apparently and should have gone to jail.
But our government would rather bail out the 100's of crooks in the banking industry instead and let the 6000 MGR jobs go down the pan. :mad:

The cars WERE selling at the time but over a couple of years from 2005, I sold approx 350 75ZT's
(you know the ones........the hidden stock which were hidden in fields and then sold off via BCA and the like)

[Duotone]

I think MGR's ultimate demise was caused by the people who thought that the path to success was cost and spec cutting rather then by improving on the quality and desirability of the product. The person who came up with project drive and the idiots that nodded along mindlessly should have all been put in a room and shot.

As for the predictions, well you only have to take a look at the rover 800 forum to see how this story plays out. Yes there will be a lot more lost however eventually the slaughter will end and the real enthusiasts will step out to save what remains. Sadly we're still probably 10 years away from the 75 becoming a classic and actually starting to gain in value.


When you looked around a new Rover 75 in the showroom the Project Drive omissions and deletions were not that noticeable. After all it was a brand new car and it looked fantastic.

I bought a new 75 in 2004 and to be honest the only things I really noticed were that the IPK had white illumination and the boot opening required a long press of the key fob. This after part exchanging a 2001 75.

Any other deletions were only noticed much later due to being a member of a club like this one.

Dave T

[sikelsh]

I love the hypocrisy on this forum, one minute the government and all politicians are robbing sods who only look out for themselves, the next they should have saved a company that was rotten to the core and then have it under the state... But then, they would be lambasted for lining their own pockets somehow. :shrug:

[marinabrian]

I love the hypocrisy on this forum, one minute the government and all politicians are robbing sods who only look out for themselves, the next they should have saved a company that was rotten to the core and then have it under the state... But then, they would be lambasted for lining their own pockets somehow. :shrug:

Wow, that's a sweeping statement :eek:

Brian :D

[ProfDave]

Ok we seem to have drifted off track but what the heck. Yes the Unions and appalling management in the 1970s were a problem but they were too for VAG and PSA and BMW. They survive. So what then? Well Thatcher sold the lot to BAE systems. They kept it for the minimum time possible and then passed to BMW without even discussion with Honda who were the long term development partner. Even at this point the Rover Group products were expanding sales across the EU against a weakening UK market. This is nicely documented in a 1994 Car Magazine I keep on my coffee table as a reminder. Then arrives BMW. Yes they produce the 75 and then slate it. Then they collapse it and take the mini and 4 x 4 tech.

Just imagine if the 75 and Mini variants and the LR products of JLR had been under one umbrella? World beating. But that is to miss the point!

I am not saying anything positive about the Towers collective but they did keep things going for several years and make allot of great cars (whilst fleecing the place) in a way that the alternative John Moulton who recently collapsed City Link would not have. I would not have two MGZTTs if Moulton had bombed it in 6 months.

There is a positive in everything in life and the success of Mini and JLR should be celebrated (so maybe I should aim for an electric Jag rather than a Tesla)

[Saga Lout]

There will come a time when very few of us can use a 75 or ZT as a daily driver, we have to realise that our cars will become weekend pleasure craft as they age, unless you don't care about the condition of it. We will have to find other cars to use everyday, but the Rover will be there to enjoy at the weekend, just like many mass produced cars of our past. Who would have thought that a Cortina or an Escort would be so rare now? A few hundred Austin Maxi's and many other cars we know so well.
We will have no choice other than to give the cars up to scrap, to others or to store if we are lucky. Those of us who are in their 40's and 50's now are not likely to see these cars reach their real market, we will be dead and gone before then. My Victor is very rare and it's 43 years old this year, I'll be 92 if I make it in 42 more years, the Victor is now being seen as rare, Saga Lout will be just as rare at 92.

[ProfDave]

There will come a time when very few of us can use a 75 or ZT as a daily driver, we have to realise that our cars will become weekend pleasure craft as they age, unless you don't care about the condition of it. We will have to find other cars to use everyday, but the Rover will be there to enjoy at the weekend, just like many mass produced cars of our past. Who would have thought that a Cortina or an Escort would be so rare now? A few hundred Austin Maxi's and many other cars we know so well.
We will have no choice other than to give the cars up to scrap, to others or to store if we are lucky. Those of us who are in their 40's and 50's now are not likely to see these cars reach their real market, we will be dead and gone before then. My Victor is very rare and it's 43 years old this year, I'll be 92 if I make it in 42 more years, the Victor is now being seen as rare, Saga Lout will be just as rare at 92.
Is yours an FD or FE. I am guessing FE. One of my biggest regrets is not saving my Dad's Peacock Blue FD 3300 Estate. Superb motor but REALLY rusty.

[bl52krz]

He didn't kill rover.

Rover killed rover.

If they had of sorted the k series gasket issue under warranty and done the improvement from the issue onwards they would still be in business.

I don't believe for a second in all the testing there wasn't HEADGASKET failure and it was only when the cars where sold when it was an issue.

They knew. The bean counters killed rover.
[B][COLOR="Blue"]Sorry to disagree but when Pheonix took over Rover, I spoke to a gent and said it looked like the Rover Company were going to have a bright future, he said that he had worked in management, and knew one of the leading lights of the company, and that the maximum life of Rover would be 5 years. Guess what??????.

[Saga Lout]

Is yours an FD or FE. I am guessing FE. One of my biggest regrets is not saving my Dad's Peacock Blue FD 3300 Estate. Superb motor but REALLY rusty.
A 1972 Fe with the bench seat and the original rubber floor covering it left the factory with. I'm putting it back together after the film crash and it will be very nice. I'm told it's the rarest one because of the Bench seat and the Rubber matting, there's one older but with a non standard interior. Mine had a carpet over the floor matting, it's kept the rubber like new.

[FROGGY]

Pie in the sky dreams I'm afraid.
In 5 years time the only ones left running will be owned by Forum members. Why? Spares.
The price of repairs immediately writes off more than 50% of accident damaged 75/ZT's.
On the continent a frontal in a Xenon equipped car will be at least £2000. Go figure.
I have recently bought another ZT, but it will be my last. Life is too short to be constantly chasing parts, and with no access to a T4, many problems are very difficult to sort.
Next motor, probably a Nissan x trail :eek:. Very different type of car, but solid, economical, easy to find bits for, and they're not going to go bust.

[Rumply]

In answer to the original question from Vanbursta.

I wont have my ZTT in 5 years time, I possibly won't have it by the end of this year after 3 years of ownership, purely because I do not need a car this big anymore.

Mine is perfect, probably one of the best/cleanest examples around (Trikey'll tell you).

I really want/need a hot hatch, the biggest problem I have with this/these cars is.... they look so god damn good.

[guru]

When you looked around a new Rover 75 in the showroom the Project Drive omissions and deletions were not that noticeable. After all it was a brand new car and it looked fantastic.

I bought a new 75 in 2004 and to be honest the only things I really noticed were that the IPK had white illumination and the boot opening required a long press of the key fob. This after part exchanging a 2001 75.

Any other deletions were only noticed much later due to being a member of a club like this one.

Dave T

I think the point is they should have been improving the product not cheapening it. Granted on the 75 the changes may have been well hidden but to look at it another way how was the 2004 model better then the 1998 one for example? If you look at a BMW today and compare it to a 2008 model there have been numerous changes.

I think project drive took more of a heavy toll further down the model range to be honest. The interior on our 2004 ZS 180 was laughably cheap and the doors felt really tinny and cheap. Pretty much the same story with our 2003 TF160, the build and fit and finish was not a patch on the earlier MGF's, both perfectly good cars earlier on ruined by cost cutting. As 8 year old second hand cars at £2k you can overlook these issues but at £18k+ you think twice. In fact that very thing happened to me back in 2002, I went into our local dealer in Lowestoft very seriously considering a brand new TF as an upgrade from our then not very old MGF and after around 10 minutes walked out without even bothering to take a test drive. Funnily enough even back then the only car that impressed me was the ZT, all the others in the range felt very poor in comparison which if I say that as a long term committed marque enthusiast can't have been good news.

Of course part of the problem was they also poured money into low volume projects such as the SV and the V8 powered 75 / ZT which would have been far better spend developing a mid-range replacement for the 45/ZS.

[gazcaz]

Very interesting reading i will keep mine on the road for as long as possible,i love it the drive the purr the looks etc.If i am one of those lucky ones that could end with 6 big winning numbers i would buy a huge plot of land build a huge wharehouse and buy all broken crashed whatever 75 zt etc so we can keep them going not crushed.if so many are not being repaired then parts should be tenfold but people ob taking cash for scrap rather then advertising for spares.my opinion.

[stockwell1]

Very interesting reading i will keep mine on the road for as long as possible,i love it the drive the purr the looks etc.If i am one of those lucky ones that could end with 6 big winning numbers i would buy a huge plot of land build a huge wharehouse and buy all broken crashed whatever 75 zt etc so we can keep them going not crushed.if so many are not being repaired then parts should be tenfold but people ob taking cash for scrap rather then advertising for spares.my opinion.

Hi,
Although new here(was always volvo),its new ground for me with the Rover,that said,im looking for a local lockup now..reason being the donor car...,if i have to do it to keep this one on the road so be it...i think its a good option,any thoughts guys?
Matt.

[Jules]

I think the point is they should have been improving the product not cheapening it. Granted on the 75 the changes may have been well hidden but to look at it another way how was the 2004 model better then the 1998 one for example? If you look at a BMW today and compare it to a 2008 model there have been numerous changes.

I think project drive took more of a heavy toll further down the model range to be honest. The interior on our 2004 ZS 180 was laughably cheap and the doors felt really tinny and cheap. Pretty much the same story with our 2003 TF160, the build and fit and finish was not a patch on the earlier MGF's, both perfectly good cars earlier on ruined by cost cutting. As 8 year old second hand cars at £2k you can overlook these issues but at £18k+ you think twice. In fact that very thing happened to me back in 2002, I went into our local dealer in Lowestoft very seriously considering a brand new TF as an upgrade from our then not very old MGF and after around 10 minutes walked out without even bothering to take a test drive. Funnily enough even back then the only car that impressed me was the ZT, all the others in the range felt very poor in comparison which if I say that as a long term committed marque enthusiast can't have been good news.



Think you hit the nail on the head there Guru about existing owners upgrading to a newer model.
They were going to notice the quality downgrades as you did and walked out of the showroom !

There were 3 very major noticeable changes in the 75 range which did MGR no favours whatsoever:

Fake carpet
Fake dash
Non felt door seals

In the later models this was noticeable as soon as you opened one of the doors (to me anyway)
Folk do notice quality whether is consciously or subconsciously. (or lack of it)

[Robson Rover Repair]

No the last UK government hammered the nail in the coffin good and proper. No government agency could purchase Rovers from 2000-2004... what a joke. I hope those people never get in power again!

That can't be true. Psni and close protection along with the stormount executive had a large selection of ZT's and 75's in their fleet.

At least 36 by my count so far.

[wutang]

In 5 years my 75 will be long gone, I have had it for over 8 years and is my daily driver but by the end of this year will be surplus to requirements and have over 200,000 miles on the clock. as of august I will be using the Pug 3008 on the daily commute due to having my son with me as well as me the wife, and the pug is a better family car.

I have loved my 75 and if I replace it am toying with the Citroen C5 3.0 diesel auto.

[arnosvale65]

People are still amazed when they look at my leather and real veneer interior, pre project, and I tell them I paid £800 for it. Sat Nav, trip comp, engine pre heater, full message display centre and all the other lovely things. But the one thing they all stare at goggle eyed is the BMW engine lurking underneath the engine cover. Has anyone ever managed to squeeze a 6 cyl BMW diesel into a 75 or ZT? Now that would be a car!:D

[Organiser]

Anyone remember this man.

Had a lot to do with the problems of the company!

I will be keeping my ZT-T's along with my MGB and MGC GTS.

Tom.

[marinabrian]

Anyone remember this man.

Had a lot to do with the problems of the company!

I will be keeping my ZT-T's along with my MGB and MGC GTS.

Tom.

Mmm, Derek Robinson :(

[arnosvale65]

Roverbarmy is quite correct in what he says

"The MG Rover demise started when it was BL and the unions were killing various British institutions (not a political statement by the way but a fact). I saw what went on behind the scenes at BL (especially the night shifts). No wonder the foreign car companies did so well."

I worked at British Leyland's truck plant for a short period in the Seventies. On night shift most people were asleep and the one's who worked were mostly engaged in "liberating" parts. If you messed up an engine build the practice was to dump the whole thing in the reservoir as if you confessed you lost your bonus.
Mind you I mostly blame management who were to a man, useless. No investment, no modernisation and they wouldn't stand up to the unions. What all that led to was the winter of discontent, the shaming of a prime minister(Heath) and Maggies revenge which the working man in Britain has never recovered from. Much easier to sell the lot to foreign bidders then we don't have any leverage and the money men can clean up.

[bl52krz]

Mmm, Derek Robinson :(
No. Mr Towers. Now banned from being a director in this country I believe.

[bl52krz]

Roverbarmy is quite correct in what he says

"The MG Rover demise started when it was BL and the unions were killing various British institutions (not a political statement by the way but a fact). I saw what went on behind the scenes at BL (especially the night shifts). No wonder the foreign car companies did so well."

I worked at British Leyland's truck plant for a short period in the Seventies. On night shift most people were asleep and the one's who worked were mostly engaged in "liberating" parts. If you messed up an engine build the practice was to dump the whole thing in the reservoir as if you confessed you lost your bonus.
Mind you I mostly blame management who were to a man, useless. No investment, no modernisation and they wouldn't stand up to the unions. What all that led to was the winter of discontent, the shaming of a prime minister(Heath) and Maggies revenge which the working man in Britain has never recovered from. Much easier to sell the lot to foreign bidders then we don't have any leverage and the money men can clean up.
Sorry but that was down to lousy management.

[arnosvale65]

Sorry but that was down to lousy management.

Well if you read what I wrote that's what I said.

[James.uk]

I intend to keep using my 75 daily till either it, or I, end up unable to drive innit. :}

It will never be relagated to a weekend car...
...

[Howey]

Think you hit the nail on the head there Guru about existing owners upgrading to a newer model.
They were going to notice the quality downgrades as you did and walked out of the showroom !

There were 3 very major noticeable changes in the 75 range which did MGR no favours whatsoever:

Fake carpet
Fake dash
Non felt door seals

In the later models this was noticeable as soon as you opened one of the doors (to me anyway)
Folk do notice quality whether is consciously or subconsciously. (or lack of it)
agree with this wholeheartedly, its called 'Percieved Quality' and car companies spend millions on this, Volkswagen being experts at it - they my use some cheap and nasty plastics but bet your bottom dollar that all the parts you see every day and come into contact with are all soft touch plastics, damped grab handles and soft coverings.
MG/Rover did the opposite and wondered why sales flatlined, it wasn't just because of an ageing product range (after all the ZT wasn't an old car when they went bust) it was the fact that costs were clearly being cut and pennies pinched on every car

[topman]

I worked at British Leyland's truck plant for a short period in the Seventies. On night shift most people were asleep and the one's who worked were mostly engaged in "liberating" parts.

I know I shouldn't but it did make me laugh:D employing people to go to sleep on a night shift, bet they were queuing up for a job!