Rover 75 Automatics - Any good? - Page 3

efreeti · 8th December 2008, 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

How many miles have you done in the blue one now? Is the clutch still as light as when I fitted it? I wish my saloon was as good as that one!

I'm on around 164k now which, IIRC, means I have put over 20k on it since picking it up from you. Clutch feels the same as it did, though I am unlikely to have noticed subtle changes spread over that distance.

Only issue I have had with it is the airbag light still won't go out. Starting to think I fried the control unit somehow when I did the electric seat retrofit. :-(

I decided fairly soon after buying it I was just going to keep running it until it died. At the very least I want to get 200k on the clock before I give it up! If SWMBO doesn't like this auto I will sell it on and use the profit for an xpower upgrade and maybe some time in the paint shop.

Matt brighton · 8th December 2008, 19:30

Dear All,

I have a 2001 conn se diesel cdt with auto box.

I changed the fluid at about 80k 18 months ago and she's now nudging the 100k (97k to be exact)

Gear changes remain almost imperceptable - as does engaging D from standstill and I will top up if required when I do the next oil service.

Matt - brighton

ps - im looking longingly at p5b's for sale - am I mad ????

Pete · 19th December 2008, 12:40

The transmission in The Beloved died about 4 years ago. Piston seal went west which is one of the most common reasons for these failing if they do decide to misbehave. Back then the entire boxes were bought (normally in the Netherlands to take advatange of the exchange rate) and then stripped as spares were simply not available - and a new unit was not cheap. Spares eventually began to appear which were from America and very highly regarded for their quality.

At the time I had mine rebuilt by a well-known specialist who was used by the Rover dealers as they didn't have the expertise - in fact they advised Rover and Honda on specific problems around the auto boxes used in the 800. If anyone needs advice on them and lives in the Midlands I wold strongly advise to get in touch with them. They're called Penn Autos and the proprietor also owns what is reckoned to be one of the fastest cars on the planet. Friendly bunch and they really know their onions on auto boxes.

Regular fluid changes are essential. Personally I would disregard the recommended intervals as the unit gets older and do it more often to avoid the fluid degrading.

James.uk · 19th December 2008, 13:37

Having owned-driven autos for nearly 50 years now, I would like to say I have never, in all that time, had an auto box fail.

Prior to buying the "75" I had a 1994 Citroen ZX 1.9 diesel auto, (now owned by a lady friend) and I did extensive research both on and off line in order to find a replacemnt for it. My choice was the 75 BMW diesel auto. VW, audi, and Passat all seem to have problems. Mercs are far too expensive, it would be cheaper to buy a 75 and install a replacement box imediately! :xmas:
I changed the oil in the ZX autobox every year when it was serviced-MOT'd. Oils not that dear, and it's not worth risking it. Prevention is better than repair!

..
My "new" Rover is in for it's MOT and full service as we speak. I will have it done again in the summer as its fallen a bit close to Xmas for me! But I think regular fluid changes are a good idea and money well spent. Even the coolant gets very acidic if left for more than two years...

to you all...
.

Fraser Mitchell · 19th December 2008, 19:42

I think with modern automatics, with their 4, 5 or even 6 ratios, they are not as robust as the old 3-speed Borg-Warners for the reason that all the parts have to fit in the same space as the old boxes, or even in less space. This means the capability to take high torque for years and years just isn't there because the internal moving parts have to be smaller and therefore are more delicate.

I understand diesels tend to wear out automatics more quickly than petrols for this very reason. One has only to look at the torque figures for typical diesels to see why this might be so.

My 75 is an auto, and all is well so far. My last car, a Mazda Xedos was also automatic, (4 speed), this may have been a Jatco gearbox as well. The Jaguar X-type uses the same box as well and seems OK with these cars. The X-type's problem is the AWD transfer box on the back of the gearbox whcih seems to have a habit of the gears breaking up inside.

I don't think the autos are a problem on the 75/ZT petrols, but may not last so long on the diesels. Like anything, one's driving style can help or hinder a lot. Wheel spin to wheel lock is not a good style to adopt if you want the car to last a long time !

apywell · 19th December 2008, 20:00

Mine has done about 106000 miles now without problem (touch wood). Oil was changed after I first purchased it at about 70000 and then again at about 90000.

After I first purchased it I did notice that when at lights while in 'Drive' and foot on the brake the car would be trying to edge forward..... but the first oil change cured that.

Phil · 19th December 2008, 21:00

I know of some Honda cars on their third gearbox in 70000 miles..... And don't even get me started on CVT's!

Dragrad · 19th December 2008, 23:11

My auto-box gave out at 98k/miles

Cost to recon was £1700.00 (including transportation to Swansea and collection). Recon used up-rated parts (not originals) The specialist reckoned, "so as long as I serviced the fluids regularly the box should last for the life of the car".

But, even after this expense, I will never (unless I absolutely had to) go back to a manual. Auto's give you that laid back feeling to driving, which is hard to find in this country (unless it's 3.00 am on a rural road at least 30+ miles from any town!! :xmas-smiley-013

Kearton · 20th December 2008, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

(...)

One thing I don't like is how it behaves when cruise control is engaged box is far too keen to use 4th gear
the engine and NVH is not as smooth as the diesel saloon probably due to loss of the DMF.

What is a DMF please?

Kearton

Tim_Burgess · 20th December 2008, 09:13

The auto box in my Accord Coupe died at 40k miles. By contrast, my KV6 Sterling Coupe (Jatco box) never missed a beat in 3 years & 70k.

8th December 2008, 19:30	#22
Matt brighton Avid contributor Alfa Romeo 159 !! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Brighton Posts: 175 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	auto box - life Dear All, I have a 2001 conn se diesel cdt with auto box. I changed the fluid at about 80k 18 months ago and she's now nudging the 100k (97k to be exact) Gear changes remain almost imperceptable - as does engaging D from standstill and I will top up if required when I do the next oil service. Matt - brighton ps - im looking longingly at p5b's for sale - am I mad ???? __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

19th December 2008, 12:40	#23
Pete Owners Club Director Rover 75 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sherfield-on-Loddon Posts: 4,874 Thanks: 137 Thanked 996 Times in 444 Posts	The transmission in The Beloved died about 4 years ago. Piston seal went west which is one of the most common reasons for these failing if they do decide to misbehave. Back then the entire boxes were bought (normally in the Netherlands to take advatange of the exchange rate) and then stripped as spares were simply not available - and a new unit was not cheap. Spares eventually began to appear which were from America and very highly regarded for their quality. At the time I had mine rebuilt by a well-known specialist who was used by the Rover dealers as they didn't have the expertise - in fact they advised Rover and Honda on specific problems around the auto boxes used in the 800. If anyone needs advice on them and lives in the Midlands I wold strongly advise to get in touch with them. They're called Penn Autos and the proprietor also owns what is reckoned to be one of the fastest cars on the planet. Friendly bunch and they really know their onions on auto boxes. Regular fluid changes are essential. Personally I would disregard the recommended intervals as the unit gets older and do it more often to avoid the fluid degrading. __________________ Follow The Club On Twitter

19th December 2008, 20:00	#26
apywell Gets stuck in Rover 75 Saloon. 2.0 Diesel Auto. Connoisseur SE. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Derby Posts: 723 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mine has done about 106000 miles now without problem (touch wood). Oil was changed after I first purchased it at about 70000 and then again at about 90000. After I first purchased it I did notice that when at lights while in 'Drive' and foot on the brake the car would be trying to edge forward..... but the first oil change cured that. __________________ If there's one thing I've learned, it's that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead. Now has an S-Type 2.7 diesel V6 twin turbo with Jag voice, bluetooth, sat nav, front and rear park assist, electric fold mirrors etc, etc, etc.....

19th December 2008, 21:00	#27
Phil This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 12,227 Thanks: 469 Thanked 523 Times in 241 Posts	I know of some Honda cars on their third gearbox in 70000 miles..... And don't even get me started on CVT's! __________________

19th December 2008, 23:11	#28
Dragrad This is my second home *None DROWNED** Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cardigan Posts: 33,339 Thanks: 1,257 Thanked 1,664 Times in 1,081 Posts	My auto-box gave out at 98k/miles Cost to recon was £1700.00 (including transportation to Swansea and collection). Recon used up-rated parts (not originals) The specialist reckoned, "so as long as I serviced the fluids regularly the box should last for the life of the car". But, even after this expense, I will never (unless I absolutely had to) go back to a manual. Auto's give you that laid back feeling to driving, which is hard to find in this country (unless it's 3.00 am on a rural road at least 30+ miles from any town!! :xmas-smiley-013 __________________ Andrew Ich Dien Problem solving is... lateral thinking SEARCH FIRST ...ASK LATER...

19th December 2008, 13:37	#24
James.uk Passed Away 2002 Pale Blue. Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur auto. 170K miles Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Near the M67. Posts: 14,509 Thanks: 199 Thanked 585 Times in 397 Posts	Having owned-driven autos for nearly 50 years now, I would like to say I have never, in all that time, had an auto box fail. Prior to buying the "75" I had a 1994 Citroen ZX 1.9 diesel auto, (now owned by a lady friend) and I did extensive research both on and off line in order to find a replacemnt for it. My choice was the 75 BMW diesel auto. VW, audi, and Passat all seem to have problems. Mercs are far too expensive, it would be cheaper to buy a 75 and install a replacement box imediately! :xmas: I changed the oil in the ZX autobox every year when it was serviced-MOT'd. Oils not that dear, and it's not worth risking it. Prevention is better than repair! .. My "new" Rover is in for it's MOT and full service as we speak. I will have it done again in the summer as its fallen a bit close to Xmas for me! But I think regular fluid changes are a good idea and money well spent. Even the coolant gets very acidic if left for more than two years... to you all... .

19th December 2008, 19:42	#25
Fraser Mitchell Gets stuck in Rover 75 2.5 V6 Club Auto Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Crewe Posts: 898 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think with modern automatics, with their 4, 5 or even 6 ratios, they are not as robust as the old 3-speed Borg-Warners for the reason that all the parts have to fit in the same space as the old boxes, or even in less space. This means the capability to take high torque for years and years just isn't there because the internal moving parts have to be smaller and therefore are more delicate. I understand diesels tend to wear out automatics more quickly than petrols for this very reason. One has only to look at the torque figures for typical diesels to see why this might be so. My 75 is an auto, and all is well so far. My last car, a Mazda Xedos was also automatic, (4 speed), this may have been a Jatco gearbox as well. The Jaguar X-type uses the same box as well and seems OK with these cars. The X-type's problem is the AWD transfer box on the back of the gearbox whcih seems to have a habit of the gears breaking up inside. I don't think the autos are a problem on the 75/ZT petrols, but may not last so long on the diesels. Like anything, one's driving style can help or hinder a lot. Wheel spin to wheel lock is not a good style to adopt if you want the car to last a long time !

20th December 2008, 09:13	#30
Tim_Burgess This is my second home 1999 75 Connoisseur SE 2.5, 2000 75 Classic SE 2.0, 2012 Lancia Delta 3, 2016 Dacia Sandero Ambiance Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kilcreggan Posts: 3,191 Thanks: 334 Thanked 334 Times in 162 Posts	The auto box in my Accord Coupe died at 40k miles. By contrast, my KV6 Sterling Coupe (Jatco box) never missed a beat in 3 years & 70k. __________________ *The fact there's a highway to hell and only a stairway to heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers.*.