Originally Posted by ianM (Post 612205)

To give you a bit of background detail about me, I drove a 1992 1.4 3-door Rover 214 which only had 21,000 miles on the clock, up until midway through August, when I was rear ended by another driver, who failed to even begin to brake, causing considerable damage to the rear of my car.

And although that's now in repair, to cut a long story short, while I was looking for a replacement car, and summing my options up, I happened to come across a Rover 75 - and I liked it a lot. Because of this, I'm now considering getting a Rover 75 to add to my "collection".

The problem is, all of the examples I've been seeing have come with a spotty service history, to say the least. We passed on the last 75 we saw, seeing as it only had two stamps, both of which were only for oil changes, in five years - when the service schedule said it obviously should have had a lot more than that.

So, what I'm ideally looking for is a Rover 75 Connoisseur SE - I'm not too fussed whether it's pre facelift or not, but I'd prefer one of the older models. I'd like to find one that's petrol, and manual, preferably with the 1.8 engine (just because the 214 also has a k series engine), but I'd be open to bigger engines too!

I'd ideally be after one in Copperleaf (or Nightfire) Red, but the British Racing Green, or dark blues I've seen look good as well. I'd like one with a light leather interior, (but that isn't really that important) with anything but the black wood effect. Also, like many of you, I really like the wooden steering wheel too - but that's obviously not a deal breaker! Other than the colour, the most important thing I'm looking for is a low mileage model, with a full service history.

I know that seems like a bit of a long wish list, but if anyone knows of anyone who has a 75 that matches the above description, and may be interested in selling, I might be able to give it a good home! I just wish they still sold them new, because I'd be saving my money to get one! If SMG Rover had any Connoisseur SEs in Red in, I'd be heading down there now...

If not, I'd be interested in hearing advice on anything I should look for when I'm looking at other low mileage examples of 75s. I've found a few, but I don't really know what I'm looking for - if there's anything that usually wears out on them, or any faults that sometimes develop, it'd be good to go in armed with all the facts! If I want a car in Connoisseur SE spec, is it possible to buy something lower and upgrade it, or is that something that's a bit crazy to even attempt?

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the long first post!

Originally Posted by JakeW89 (Post 612219)

Hi Ian and welcome to the club!

I am sure many will be on this post to advise you what options there are and which engines to go for. I personally would opt for a diesel if you're doing alot of miles.

However, you would possibly find a top spec-ed V6 Conn SE for a good price. Reebs, our lead Mod has created a spec guide here:

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=22249

Depending on your budget, this is a heck of a lump of car (although not one of your stated colours!):

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...216#post612216


If you're available, we've got our stand at the NEC coming up next Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We've also a regional meet on the Sunday at Brunthingthorpe in Leicestershire where you're more than welcome to come along and have a chat with us all and have a look around the cars!

Info here: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=71024

Basic things to look out for:

1.8 K -Series (1.8 & 1.8T) HGF

2.0/2.5 KV6 Cambelts, VIS Motors,

M47R Diesel - PCV, MAF Sensor

All Marques - clutch

Important to have 2 keys IMO

Originally Posted by ianM (Post 612235)

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply : )

To be honest, I'm hardly planning on using the car (I work from home, and already do very low mileage), so I was hoping to get a low mileage model that would stay low mileage : ) I'm afraid I'm definitely interested in the petrol over the diesel engines, as I'd rather not have the BMW engine ;)

I know I've got quite the checklist, but I'd imagine there must be something out there that matches at least most of it? Not sure if I can make the shows this year, but I should be at the Pride of Longbridge in 2011 :}

Originally Posted by JakeW89 (Post 612381)

Hi Ian,

Out of interest, why don't you want the BMW engine'd model? It works in your favour as the V6's tended to be better kitted up than their oil squashing counterparts.

There is plenty out there - and members cars do come up for sale every now and then!

I was quite particular when searching for my zt-t, having travelled the length and bredth of the land to source one in the right condition, mileage and history, that is now owned by Morrisfan here on the OC.

Jake

Originally Posted by rrobson (Post 613763)

although fsh is a main part of your search, dont be put off by examples that have slightly patchy history. you have to remember, many people (especially on here) are capable of servicing the cars at home, so unless oil, filter, fluid recipts are kept, it wont have any.

with your milage, i would certainly go for the 2.5 v6 auto. it is one of the smoothest engines i have ever owned, and the auto box only compliments it further, with the capability of being slightly sporty when its required. not to mention the sound, which is also fantastic.

although the engines are a little more complicated, dont be put off by the fact that unless you have worked on them before, you probably will struggle to change the timing belts over. everything else on them is suprisingly simple. they are also a k-series engine, but are much less prone to headgasket failure (there have only been a handfull on here)

personally id try to stay away from the 1.8's simply because of the reliability issue. they are strong engines, but unfortunatly let down by the cooling system, and you dont want a diesel.

are you sold yet? ;)
as mentioned, its is easier to find a higher spec v6, and they are going suprisingly cheap and nobody wants this car with that engine in. its not practical for people as around town it is so uneconomical, but if you do little miles, it will be a joy to drive every time.

when going to view, plese click on the link below my post, it has everything you need to inspect a used car and has helped quite a few people :)