Rover 45 'V' Rover 75?

[OddSox]

Greetings chaps.:)

Was the Rover 45 built with the same materials as the R75?

I mean, was the same steel and thickness used in the panels etc?

An 04 model R45 in Grey crossed my path today and it looked rather tasty with some nice alloys on it.

Made me wonder.. Was that car built with the same steel etc as the 75?

:}

[Southside]

Probably are but the two cars are miles apart in terms of refinery.

I'd pick a 75 over a 45 any day and I've owned both.

[OddSox]

Refinery?...That's a good word..Is that the word i was looking for when i said "Same materials"?

[trikey]

Im sure the body treatment differed somewhere, the 75's seem to be better protected.

[OddSox]

Im sure the body treatment differed somewhere, the 75's seem to be better protected.

Spot on...! I did have a gander underneath a R45..1.4..02 reg..Brand new exhaust and Clutch..78K....but the underneath was nowt like on my 75..

Very black and lots of corrosion.. My 75 underneath looks like it's almost new.!

[rrobson]

The 45 was out of date when it went into production. Like the 25 you can follow the underpinnings family tree back to the late 80's. 75 was designed from scratch not based on last decades ageing model :)

[OddSox]

The 45 was out of date when it went into production. Like the 25 you can follow the underpinnings family tree back to the late 80's. 75 was designed from scratch not based on last decades ageing model :)

Yeah i get all that...;)

So the 45 was an after thought and a mid gap filler for rover/Honda.

Just wondered if the SAME stuff was used in the 45. ;)

[zedhed]

my zs 180 was a great car which I wish I had kept,but build quality was terrible compared to the zt.

[steve-45]

Still got my 45 conni TD Saloon, they are completely different to the 75, but much simpler to maintain and repair.

The 45 goes round corners much better than the 75 too.

[MSS]

Still got my 45 conni TD Saloon, they are completely different to the 75, but much simpler to maintain and repair.

The 45 goes round corners much better than the 75 too.

I agree. The 45 is very economical and a well looked after example should last a long time, especially with the L-series diesel.

[SCP440]

Chalk and cheese, the car feels like it was made 10 years earlier.

Trying to find a rust free example would be a challenge.

[victorgte]

Rust free with 56k on the clock. It's my wife's daily drive but not as good as a 75.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161231/6a7fd8ef7755774578cf1d51cc6872a2.jpg


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[TourerSteve]

Owning both a Rover 45 and a 75 I can tell you they are very different cars built for different markets .
The 45 been the older of the designs it was inherited from the Honda stable and although engine’s and certain components where shared , floor pan ,suspension etc was all Honda derived .Bodywork feels lighter than the 75 and the probably the biggest difference with the 45 is that the body is not treated in the same way and tends to suffer with rust more. Even though there are some excellent examples about .
The 75 as we know was a later car built more upmarket with a more quality feel about it. The 75 body shell is stronger and stiffer than the 45
Both cars are good to drive , but always get the driving impression that the 45 is more nimble drive than the 75. I bought the 45 before the 75 and didn’t have the heart to sell the 45 when I got the 75 .I think over the next few years the 45 will disappear off the road faster than the 75 for the reasons above and will be rarer than the 75. Reliability of both my cars are good , and maintenance is probably a bit simpler on the 45
Just my thought , am sure others will be along to offer their opinion
Why not buy one , then you can enjoy the experience of both:icon_lol:

[MSS]

R45 td 113, 146k miles and totally rust free.

See my recent thread. http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=257895

If the 75 was not a totally different car to the 45, the 75 would have been a design failure given that it was intended for a different price and class segment.

[Mogodon]

I finally parted company with my 45TD at 176,000 miles of which I put 114,000 on it myself to get my ZT.

It's still on the road today over a year later.

[marinabrian]

The 45 has a nice set up suspension wise, and is considerably more compliant and accomplished in terms of both roadholding and noise isolation.

Have a test drive and see why Rover and Honda got it right with HHR, and BMW and Rover got it wrong with R40, I bet it will surprise you ;)

Only when you have owned both can you make the judgement, no blind spot driver's side A Pillar, or broken springs every five minutes either

Brian :D

[129c]

I have owned both cars but my 45 V6 is fantastic.
100% rust free and does not leak like a sieve like both my past 75 cars did.
it's every bit as nice inside and although it looks dated for a 2001 car, so did the 75.

http://i65.tinypic.com/mmepfk.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/o7omtd.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/kb7sk6.jpg

[oxfordblue75]

I previously had two 45's , a mk1 and a facelift . The mk1 was closer in feel to a 75 as it had plusher seats and fittings , the facelift , like the 75 facelift, was cheapened .I think you only have to shut a door on a 45 then a 75 to feel the difference in build quality. The 45 is more nimble and easier to drive , the 75 heavy driving feel is all part of the premium package. I had the facelift of both at the same time and one had to go , guess which one won :)

[DRC66]

I owned a 45 for nine years and 140,000 miles. I found it a superb workhorse that could surprise other road users with its handling when pushed hard. Tremendously reliable. Only had HGF once in my ownership. Both my kids learned to drive in it too. Only parted with it due to rust on the floor panels. I still have a real soft spot for them and have considered getting another but for occasional use only. I've owned several 75's and in my opinion the build quality and comfort are far superior. Have always wanted to give the ZS 180 a go. Reckon that would put a smile on my face.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/a23c8c8a4237fd3663b11aa04d653f6d.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/6a97d718fddba756d8988d9ea5f716ef.jpg




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[marinabrian]

I previously had two 45's , a mk1 and a facelift . The mk1 was closer in feel to a 75 as it had plusher seats and fittings , the facelift , like the 75 facelift, was cheapened .I think you only have to shut a door on a 45 then a 75 to feel the difference in build quality. The 45 is more nimble and easier to drive , the 75 heavy driving feel is all part of the premium package. I had the facelift of both at the same time and one had to go , guess which one won :)

I know exactly what you mean, I know when shutting the door on my 45, the door card didn't self destruct the internal door pull embellisher ring when it popped off for the umpteenth time even after replacing all of the clips on the door card with genuine MGR items :icon_rolleyes:

Oh, and the boot does not resemble a swimming pool either :snowball1:

Brian :D

[oxfordblue75]

Ah but the under glove box trim does keep falling down or the roof seams leak/rust or the interior fan only work on some speeds or the steering wheel isn't in your lap ( on the highest setting ) on a 75 , so each have their own fobials lol :)

[coolguy]

A decent 45 in top trim level is still a very nice place to be. I have owned a couple together with a 400 SLi which I still have. The 45 is a step up on quality from the 400, but both have nice interiors, including walnut trim (all right it might be fake) on the doors, a missing touch on the 75s. Handling and braking ability are great, as has been said, and despite other comments, there are plenty of rust free low mileage examples if you look hard, particularly in automatic form.

[VVC-Geeza]

I own both,the 45 being my daily.I have nothing but positive things to say about the 45,nice cabin,well specced and a real pleasure to drive.Yes there is more of a clunk when the door shuts on the 75 but for practical use the 45 does a fine job.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/mick_064/45and75015.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/mick_064/media/45and75015.jpg.html)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/mick_064/New45036.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/mick_064/media/New45036.jpg.html)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/mick_064/New45041.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/mick_064/media/New45041.jpg.html)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/mick_064/IMG_3638_zps2201003b.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/mick_064/media/IMG_3638_zps2201003b.jpg.html)

[OddSox]

Thanks to all..I'm really grateful. :)

[MSS]

Something that has not yet been mentioned, the 45 has a very light clutch compared with the 75.

[OddSox]

All brilliant comments and from learned folk which i appreciate a lot.

I have taken into account everything that has been said and i'd like to try and find a nice example if i can. ( Saloons seem rare on the ground at the moment!)

After one caught my eye i cant get it out of my mind and i now have a 'Bee in my bonnet' hankering for one.!

With a nice set of alloys on they do look really well and not as dated as some other cars of the same era.

Cheers.:)

[TourerSteve]

[QUOTE=coolguy;2424653] The 45 is a step up on quality from the 400,

Interesting comment by coolguy I only decided to buy another Rover about 3 years ago when riccardo65 kept badgering me about it and as my second car was getting tired decided on a change . I then purchased the 45. 2005 model facelift club se . My feeling was that the quality had slowly declined from my first 1 year old R8 214 sli (K Reg 1992) which was replaced by a three week old 420 SD1 (N Reg 1996) . An excellent travelling car in its day with good performance and economy. Build quality seemed more solid on the R8 ,particularly the doors but could be to do with shape although i can't remember the 400 doors been as light as the 45 but its along time a go !. After buying a Rover 600 another excellent Honda derived model and with the uncertainty of Rover looking for a new car i ventured to another manufacturer.
Since buying the 45 i started to join meets with the Yorkshire North Lincs group usually turning up in the 45 and enjoying the banter , I decided about a year ago to preserve my 45 and i purchased a 75 Tourer .
I now run both and enjoy the meets Its like reliving my youth with old Rovers
Happy new year to you all

[OddSox]

Great comment Steve. Happy new year to you also.:)

[OddSox]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-51-ROVER-45-CLASSIC-16V-1-6-FULL-MOT-ALLOYS-PART-EXCHANGE-AVAILABLE-/332066071067?hash=item4d50ae221b:g:s~AAAOSwEzxYTr6 q

Something like this is what i'm after. This looks like a tidy example with a goodish spec.(Small dint on off side rear door?) £495 with a full mot. !! It's a 1.6 though..!?!

[DEVYL]

I also bought my 45 after owning a 75 for a couple of years. Yes, the steering wheel is in my lap, the seat is really high ( 1.90m ) but I love it. The door cards and interior door handles are far more reliable. Mine is from 10/2000, black exterior with black leather interior in mint condition and has all the toys. Almost 100.000 km and rust free. This car will die under my ownership

Sent from my SM-N920I
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/8b27d1882e831e93f19e9bdf97e8bad9.jpg

[coolguy]

[QUOTE=coolguy;2424653] The 45 is a step up on quality from the 400,

Interesting comment by coolguy I only decided to buy another Rover about 3 years ago when riccardo65 kept badgering me about it and as my second car was getting tired decided on a change . I then purchased the 45. 2005 model facelift club se . My feeling was that the quality had slowly declined from my first 1 year old R8 214 sli (K Reg 1992) which was replaced by a three week old 420 SD1 (N Reg 1996) . An excellent travelling car in its day with good performance and economy. Build quality seemed more solid on the R8 ,particularly the doors but could be to do with shape although i can't remember the 400 doors been as light as the 45 but its along time a go !. After buying a Rover 600 another excellent Honda derived model and with the uncertainty of Rover looking for a new car i ventured to another manufacturer.
Since buying the 45 i started to join meets with the Yorkshire North Lincs group usually turning up in the 45 and enjoying the banter , I decided about a year ago to preserve my 45 and i purchased a 75 Tourer .
I now run both and enjoy the meets Its like reliving my youth with old Rovers
Happy new year to you all

Both my 45's have been early models (X and Y plates) and the quality is definitely better than the 400s but then my 400s were early models (current retainee is an N plate) and as with the 75, quality deteriorated as production went on.

[timspencer]

Being an ex rover salesman then manager I echo what's been said, get a well cared for early 45 (avoid the CVT) and it should be a comfy cheap runabout but as a 75 is such a bargain why would you!

The late models were cheaply made in comparison,

[johnnyb44]

I used to have a 45 diesel..I really liked the car and found it quite resistant to the tin worm of rot ..My old 414 and rover 220 SDI would rot away quite quickly through the winter months. The negatives I would say about the 45 was the rubbish windscreen demister..I could never get a fully clear windscreen in the winter months. The back door surrounds around the door handles are weak and needed repairing..Mine also suffered from a lot of cabin noise generated from the bullet proof L series diesel engine. I manage to quiet it down though by packing the inside of the gear shifter centre console with hard insulation foam piece's.If memory serves me right ,underneath the plastic gear/ handbrake consul was a large rubber grommet which was about 2/3 inches long ,and the other side of that was the exhaust. The noise of exhaust transmitted through this thin rubber grommet and it was not a nice place to be inside the car, but the sound deadening foam transformed it.

[victorgte]

Being an ex rover salesman then manager I echo what's been said, get a well cared for early 45 (avoid the CVT) and it should be a comfy cheap runabout but as a 75 is such a bargain why would you!

The late models were cheaply made in comparison,



I'm wondering why you say to avoid the CVT? It is miles better than the gearbox in my wife's former car a 55 plate Renault Modus. Seemless move up the box with power always on tap. The Renault never knew which gear it wanted to be in giving a stressful drive. Actually it was stressful as it was always breaking down and the bills were big. Never again.


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[Sector-9]

I like the 45 diesels but am currently tempted with a diesel 25 or Streetwise (never had a little Rover). I don't fancy repairing head gaskets any more so can probably discount all the petrol variants!

[steve-45]

I'm currently repairing my 45 TD saloon - the plan is to use it for the winter months and keep the 75 in the garage.

Hope it will be ready for next winter.

[Rooney]

The 45 is a step up on quality from the 400,

I dunno so much.

My old 400 never missed a beat in 260,000 miles.

Sorn now, and has probably seen it's last MOT pass, I'd buy a new one if they went back into production tomorrow :)

http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q406/75-cdti/WP_20150309_007_zpszdadowu5.jpg

If ever I owned a car that worked for its keep it was this one.

[Robson Rover Repair]

Big fan of the 45 myself, we have one in our fleet, L series diesel. But shes a 2000, I wouldnt buy one after 2001.

Sadly what your seing now is a massive amount of "invisible rot" on them.

Get under the arch guards you will find holes you can put your fist through, look at the chassis arms under engine, look at where front bushes attach to chassis, rear bumper, petrol tank area.

Honestly the majority of the 45 and zs's (especially the mk2s) out there are clean rotten yet look stunning.

4 poster ramp tells all!!

[coolguy]

I dunno so much.

My old 400 never missed a beat in 260,000 miles.

Sorn now, and has probably seen it's last MOT pass, I'd buy a new one if they went back into production tomorrow :)

http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q406/75-cdti/WP_20150309_007_zpszdadowu5.jpg

If ever I owned a car that worked for its keep it was this one.

No question that the 400 engines were better, but the build quality of the early 45s was better. I still have an example of each out of sentimentality!