Heart ruling head?

DRC66 · 18th September 2015, 09:26

Hello everyone new member here. Submitted this post incomplete earlier accidentally. Fat fingers. Small keys!

Anyway six weeks ago I became the proud owner of a midnight blue 2003 75 2.5 v6 connoisseur SE. 78,000 recorded miles, partial service history but excellent overall condition. Only covered 1,000 miles in the past 12 months.

It replaced a midnight blue 45 that I'd had for 9 years and 123,000 miles which I have nothing but praise for too.

The 75 is a fantastic car and one I'd always coveted. Looks great from any angle. Exhaust note exquisite. Really enjoy the extra power over the 45.

I've found the club forum extremely useful and informative and a special mention to Jules whose been particularly helpful.

Now the downside. Within two weeks the electric cooling fan packed up but got the aftermarket replacement from Jules.

Three weeks later clutch hydraulics failed. Gearbox out job and new clutch fitted at the same time. Hopefully collect from my local garage this afternoon.

I have AA breakdown insurance so part of the cost will be covered by that.

I love using the car and am getting around 30 mpg despite "enjoying" it where the road conditions allow and have every intention of keeping it for many years to come.

My wife likes it so much she wants one to replace her brand new Ford Focus 1.6 diesel ecotec etc etc

Early next year I intend to get the belts changed.

Given the current values of these great cars and the costs of repair and maintenance it really is heart ruling head but life is like that at times isn't it?

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1442567794.474407.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1442568083.308810.jpg

aguy · 18th September 2015, 10:03

Hi Duncan, welcome to the club. You had us all a bit worried there with your first attempt at posting.

They are great cars but they are not new cars and as a result I am sure you appreciate things will wear and need replacing. But do this and you have a car of great character which is a joy to own.

I think it has to be a case of heart ruling head in some instances but on the other hand, taking into consideration the initial purchase price, the help available from club members and the excellent traders attached to the club it all suddenly begins to make a lot of sense to own a 75/ZT. Well tht's is my opinion.

Darcydog · 18th September 2015, 10:16

Yes Welcome Duncan

I bought my ZT-T last year in July - this club has been invaluable - the "How to's in particular are excellent.

Out of habit, when I bought the car I bought a Haynes manual. - My advice? - save your money - in comparison to the info available here it is as useful as the proverbial chocolate teapot.

Vanbursta · 18th September 2015, 13:00

.....984 hours from Tulsa

Vossy · 18th September 2015, 13:20

I have a love hate relationship with my ZT, it looks great it really does even when not washed it looks good, then another thing goes wrong and the hate takes over, I have come to the ZT from a Vectra diesel that I brought when it was only three years old, I kept it ten years and only spent money on tyres, brakes and servicing despite putting a lot of miles on the car, I passed it on to my son at 178k miles, he still has not spent any money on it, I spent my weekends cleaning and polishing my car, In the 15 months I have owned the ZT a lot of my weekends are spent underneath it.
It is a perfect cruiser but on local roads the ride is awful because of the ZT suspension and 18 inch wheels.
Now I find one of the rear upper suspension arms has a rust hole through it ...... It will never end but the option of buying a new car and suffering the depreciation is a no no to me.

I can't say I love or hate it, but if I am driving past a garage or see a car that interests me that is for sale then the ZT will go.

Rolling restoration is the saying on these cars now.

Colin P · 18th September 2015, 13:42

Hi Duncan and welcome. I Sold my 60plate Corsa 1.4 and bought an 03 plate 75 club se cdt. I will admit at first i thought i done the wrong thing but after buying the 75 i instantly fell in love with it. They are great cars i love the retro dashboard and the overall style of the car. If your wife wants to swap her new focus for a 75 then my advice is do it they have much more character than the modern euro boxes have.
Enjoy your car mate.

Ravinder · 16th June 2016, 00:14

Very nice car. Got to see this today in the flesh and sat in one. Very elegant and smooth and quiet. Looks great now, with that real walnut dash.

Craig is jealous......not just of the dash.

coab · 16th June 2016, 06:16

In my opinion (what do I know hey?) these cars are getting on a bit and the youngest is 11 years old now so if I were you just stick to the one R75. You need a newer car that you can totally rely on with no hidden bills as you have experienced. New euro boxes are boring but you have to be sensible and Ive spent many thousands on the 7 ZTs I have owned and rarely got much back but enjoyed the cars immensely but if your head ruled your heart just stick to the one you have and maybe let your wife drive it a few times a week.

You then have the best of both worlds. Something to waft about in and an everyday cheap tax and cheap fuel bills and maintenance new car.

Darcydog · 16th June 2016, 06:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by coab

In my opinion (what do I know hey?) these cars are getting on a bit and the youngest is 11 years old now so if I were you just stick to the one R75. You need a newer car that you can totally rely on with no hidden bills as you have experienced. New euro boxes are boring but you have to be sensible and Ive spent many thousands on the 7 ZTs I have owned and rarely got much back but enjoyed the cars immensely but if your head ruled your heart just stick to the one you have and maybe let your wife drive it a few times a week.

You then have the best of both worlds. Something to waft about in and an everyday cheap tax and cheap fuel bills and maintenance new car.

Yep! - that is us exactly. My MG ZT-T is my workhorse and my "project" - I really enjoy driving it and maintaining it. And this club makes all the difference re the maintenance.

But this does mean that I take the MG off the road for a few days occasionally - the latest planned is the fan replacement and most likely the A/C condenser as well. So we do need a more modern car to compliment the 13 year old MG. Ours is a i30 Tourer that has proved remarkably good value and incredibly cheap to run. Bought as an ex Motability car at three years old we enjoyed the security of a two years manufacturers warranty but never had to use it.

The Hyundai Dealership we bought it from have been excellent.

The difference is that one of my neighbours as he walks past with his dogs always says what a stunning looking car my Trophy Blue MG ZT-T is.

He doesn't give the i30 Tourer a second glance despite all its obvious merits.

Ravinder · 16th June 2016, 16:44

The OP now has 4 75s.

There's goes the plan of a newer car.

18th September 2015, 09:26	#1
DRC66 Avid contributor Rover 75 and 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Dolphinton Posts: 156 Thanks: 11 Thanked 154 Times in 47 Posts	Heart ruling head? Hello everyone new member here. Submitted this post incomplete earlier accidentally. Fat fingers. Small keys! Anyway six weeks ago I became the proud owner of a midnight blue 2003 75 2.5 v6 connoisseur SE. 78,000 recorded miles, partial service history but excellent overall condition. Only covered 1,000 miles in the past 12 months. It replaced a midnight blue 45 that I'd had for 9 years and 123,000 miles which I have nothing but praise for too. The 75 is a fantastic car and one I'd always coveted. Looks great from any angle. Exhaust note exquisite. Really enjoy the extra power over the 45. I've found the club forum extremely useful and informative and a special mention to Jules whose been particularly helpful. Now the downside. Within two weeks the electric cooling fan packed up but got the aftermarket replacement from Jules. Three weeks later clutch hydraulics failed. Gearbox out job and new clutch fitted at the same time. Hopefully collect from my local garage this afternoon. I have AA breakdown insurance so part of the cost will be covered by that. I love using the car and am getting around 30 mpg despite "enjoying" it where the road conditions allow and have every intention of keeping it for many years to come. My wife likes it so much she wants one to replace her brand new Ford Focus 1.6 diesel ecotec etc etc Early next year I intend to get the belts changed. Given the current values of these great cars and the costs of repair and maintenance it really is heart ruling head but life is like that at times isn't it? ImageUploadedByTapatalk1442567794.474407.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1442568083.308810.jpg

18th September 2015, 10:03	#2
aguy I really should get out more....... Rover 75 Connoisseur SE 2.5 V6 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: CLEETHORPES Posts: 2,108 Thanks: 833 Thanked 748 Times in 511 Posts	Hi Duncan, welcome to the club. You had us all a bit worried there with your first attempt at posting. They are great cars but they are not new cars and as a result I am sure you appreciate things will wear and need replacing. But do this and you have a car of great character which is a joy to own. I think it has to be a case of heart ruling head in some instances but on the other hand, taking into consideration the initial purchase price, the help available from club members and the excellent traders attached to the club it all suddenly begins to make a lot of sense to own a 75/ZT. Well tht's is my opinion. __________________ HARRY.

18th September 2015, 13:00	#4
Vanbursta Posted a thing or two Rover 75 2.0 V6 Conn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Stainton Grove Posts: 1,637 Thanks: 266 Thanked 406 Times in 257 Posts	.....984 hours from Tulsa __________________ I am NOT a number, I am 75

18th September 2015, 10:16	#3
Darcydog This is my second home Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 5,428 Thanks: 3,123 Thanked 3,170 Times in 2,096 Posts	Yes Welcome Duncan I bought my ZT-T last year in July - this club has been invaluable - the "How to's in particular are excellent. Out of habit, when I bought the car I bought a Haynes manual. - My advice? - save your money - in comparison to the info available here it is as useful as the proverbial chocolate teapot.

18th September 2015, 13:20	#5
Vossy Why? ... MG ZT+ Cdti Auto saloon. Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Blockeswich, South Staffs Posts: 1,549 Thanks: 173 Thanked 483 Times in 330 Posts	I have a love hate relationship with my ZT, it looks great it really does even when not washed it looks good, then another thing goes wrong and the hate takes over, I have come to the ZT from a Vectra diesel that I brought when it was only three years old, I kept it ten years and only spent money on tyres, brakes and servicing despite putting a lot of miles on the car, I passed it on to my son at 178k miles, he still has not spent any money on it, I spent my weekends cleaning and polishing my car, In the 15 months I have owned the ZT a lot of my weekends are spent underneath it. It is a perfect cruiser but on local roads the ride is awful because of the ZT suspension and 18 inch wheels. Now I find one of the rear upper suspension arms has a rust hole through it ...... It will never end but the option of buying a new car and suffering the depreciation is a no no to me. I can't say I love or hate it, but if I am driving past a garage or see a car that interests me that is for sale then the ZT will go. Rolling restoration is the saying on these cars now.

18th September 2015, 13:42	#6
Colin P Gets stuck in 2003 Rover 75 Club SE CDT manual saloon Join Date: May 2015 Location: sunderland Posts: 900 Thanks: 73 Thanked 199 Times in 123 Posts	Hi Duncan and welcome. I Sold my 60plate Corsa 1.4 and bought an 03 plate 75 club se cdt. I will admit at first i thought i done the wrong thing but after buying the 75 i instantly fell in love with it. They are great cars i love the retro dashboard and the overall style of the car. If your wife wants to swap her new focus for a 75 then my advice is do it they have much more character than the modern euro boxes have. Enjoy your car mate.

16th June 2016, 00:14	#7
Ravinder This is my second home Rover 75 saloon x2, Rover 75 Tourer x2, Rover 220 Coupe Turbo Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kirkcaldy, Fife Posts: 9,036 Thanks: 2,278 Thanked 2,852 Times in 1,718 Posts	Very nice car. Got to see this today in the flesh and sat in one. Very elegant and smooth and quiet. Looks great now, with that real walnut dash. Craig is jealous......not just of the dash.

16th June 2016, 06:16	#8
coab This is my second home 2007 57 GOLF GTi EDITION 30 DSG Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Newport Shropshire and Coventry. Posts: 5,138 Thanks: 2,424 Thanked 1,452 Times in 852 Posts	In my opinion (what do I know hey?) these cars are getting on a bit and the youngest is 11 years old now so if I were you just stick to the one R75. You need a newer car that you can totally rely on with no hidden bills as you have experienced. New euro boxes are boring but you have to be sensible and Ive spent many thousands on the 7 ZTs I have owned and rarely got much back but enjoyed the cars immensely but if your head ruled your heart just stick to the one you have and maybe let your wife drive it a few times a week. You then have the best of both worlds. Something to waft about in and an everyday cheap tax and cheap fuel bills and maintenance new car.

16th June 2016, 16:44	#10
Ravinder This is my second home Rover 75 saloon x2, Rover 75 Tourer x2, Rover 220 Coupe Turbo Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kirkcaldy, Fife Posts: 9,036 Thanks: 2,278 Thanked 2,852 Times in 1,718 Posts	The OP now has 4 75s. There's goes the plan of a newer car.