Introduction

[Jimbo75]

Hello all. I just wanted to introduce myself. I couldn't find a specific thread so I thought I would start a new one.

I have owned a 75 saloon CDT Club SE since March 2008. At the time I was looking for a big diesel family estate, probably something German. Looking through the Autotrader, VW's and Audi's seemed to be going for silly money, not to mention BMW's. I then spotted a local 75 diesel which had only done 65,000 miles, and I was soon to discover it had a BMW diesel engine. I went to have a look and the rest is history.

Soon after, I happened to discover that there is a Rover specialist just up the road from me - Brian, CVC, Harrisehead, Staffs (he is mentioned on another thread here and is friends with Andy Moores at Roverbreakers in Middlewich, Cheshire) he has done a few jobs for me and seems to be a genuine bloke that really knows his Rovers. We recently decided to get rid of our second car, a '98 Seat Ibiza, and had planned on replacing it with something small/practical/cheap to run/diesel, when Brian mention he had an 04 ZT 1.8 turbo that he could do me a good deal on. Not the most sensible of motors on paper but the wife was surprisingly keen as she loves the 75 CDT. I went to have a look and again the rest is history, and we are now the proud owners of a 75 and a ZT.

I am new to ZT ownership and it seems very different to the 75 CDT. I expect running costs will be a little higher, although fuel economy doesn't look to be too bad, especially compared to the V6's. The main thing I'm worried about is the tyres, they're something like 225/45/18. But hopefully that's a price worth paying for driving a very nice car instead of a Nissan Micra that I could have bought for the same money?

Generally though, getting parts doesn't seem to be the problem people seem to think (guaranteed response when you tell people you've got a Rover - "oooh, what will you do when it goes wrong"). Apparently this guy Andy Moore at Roverbreakers in Middlewich has a warehouse full of bits, and I found a couple of 75's on a scrapyard a few miles away last week.

So there's my story, that's how I became the owner of a 75 and a ZT at the age of 29! And on the matter of age, I do get a lot of 'old man' jibes from friends and colleagues. I work in close quarters with about 11 blokes and mickey taking is a big part of our time together so I have had some stick, but when the mickey takers have had closer look at the cars, and when I have explained what bargains they are, they have been pleasantly surprised! I am interested in the ages of other members as I do seem to be younger than the average owner?

[mcdonaa]

Welcome Jimbo! I recently found this forum too, and the wealth of knowledge and friendlyness of the residents are second to none!

I get the old man comments too (heard them all, "Where's your flat cap/werthers originals/pipe/tartan rug/delete as appropriate" etc), but once these naysayers take a trip in my car,they are silenced and actually appreciate what a nice car they are. I've had nothing but positive comments from people once they see it actually!

[Parker]

You have done the right thing & will soon be trawling the threads for info, join up the fee is so small and there is an absolute wealth of information amongst the members to assist with any problems that may arise.

Forget the old man jibes they generally come from people who have never sat in a Rover 75 let alone driven one!

To help with your question I'm 45. Feeling 65 since I pulled a muscle in my back on the weekend

[derekosb]

Hi there and to the club.

I am sure you will now get the benefit of the best of both worlds! The relaxed gait of a 75 with economy or the fun of the MG when the mood takes you!

We all want to see your new "fleet" so


Get some posted up fella!!

Oh, sorry meant to add age (44 but Shh, don't tell anyone!)

Derek

[ianwilks]

Welcome James, I'm 64 so guess I fit the 'expected' you mentioned, but hey I don't feel it, still get to do some pretty adventurous stuff. Join up and look thru; the 'how to's', valuable info in there. You'll always find somebody here to help you with any problems. Enjoy your new motor.

[Kandyman]

Great 1st post Jim,

Welcome to the forums.

[ragitty]

Brilliant first post, welcome to the club,

[Jimbo75]

Thanks for the replies folks. I should be getting the ZT back tonight so I'll try to get some pictures taken tomorrow and then I'll upload some.
Do I need to subscribe to be able to upload photos?

For information, the 75 is Damson Red and the ZT is X Power Grey (I discovered this today via reebs's excellent post on colours!).

It's good to see that there are so many enthusiasts out there, I've always wanted to be enthusiastic about something!

[Parker]

NO matter how much I tell my friends it's a hobby they always come back with " It's an obsession " but that's what these cars do to you. Enjoy them & the club.:lol:

[windrush]

Hi there I am an old Man at 76 but I may put that down to all my experience in the motor trade (and by golly how that has changed since my days) is why I drive a Rover 75 and in doing that I feel young again and enjoying life to the full