2003 Rover 75 V6 MANUAL Estate goes for a drive

The Rover 75 was the last great Rover, a brilliant mix of Rover and BMW styling and engineering, and one of the best cars of the new millennium. Today we go out in a 2.5 V6 Tourer...manual!
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[@tynebar]

People just o't realise how good the 75 was ~ beautiful car with a lovely ride.

[@alisterwest6987]

75 is an excellent car was voted the best looking car when it launched I have a British Racing green Connie with 50000 miles on the clock it is beautiful to drive only comes out in the dry my kia sportage can't compete rover is a better motor shame the rover stopped production

[@d2factotum]

Of all the things to blame on the Phoenix Consortium, I consider the worst is that I can't go down a dealer and buy a new one of these--I always thought they were fantastic looking cars.

[@DavidDavid-kl4ru]

Always loved the wood and leather mini Bentley interior of the 75. This one has perfect spec: Connoisseur trim, 2.5 V6 manual. Nice

[@andrewduffield2322]

This car really was beautifully engineered

[@malcolmherbert5127]

Almost all defunct car companies seem to fade away after presenting a rather mediocre final model or 2. No way can that be said of Rover with their 75, I always thought they’d absolutely nailed it with this car. When you think of the amount of cash that was literally shovelled into the greedy maw of the various banks back in ‘08-09 and then think what a tiny percentage of that huge pile of largesse would have sufficed to rescue Rover you have to question where our priorities really lie. Sorry to bring politics into this but I’ve lived too many years watching the greedy investors who run this country/company selling off to foreign businesses the very engines of production which we now so sorely need. Anyhow, that is one beautiful motor car and a fitting testament to the engineering prowess that once was Rover.

[@matty6848]

Every candle flickers before it goes out.

[@richarddyasonihc]

You are trying to make me cry! I have a hardback illustrated copy of ‘The Rover Story. Apart from owning 5 Land Rovers over the years, including a Series I ‘’53 model., I also had a very rare ‘65 P5b Coupe. And yes it had little reason to be so named, four doors and the battery under the rear seat, it was like driving a leather armchair on wheels. I have had many other cars and makes - I just sold an XJ 6 2006 x350. I now have another XJ V6 Portfolio. I will not be doing 155 mph, I am now 69 and this is going to.have to last - at least it should with only 46k on the clock. They still put a very tasteful analogue clock where you can read it. Trouble is I haven’t really grown up - I have even been heard to say ‘look at thar stupiold git’.

[@terryc8164]

@@richarddyasonihc when my Dad moved into a oap flat in his early 80s he complained "they're all old!!" Even at that age he still complained about the old gits driving 🤣

[@Kerring]

As a ZT owner... I think it was rather mediocre. Lots of luxury, lots of nostalgia, smooth reliable engines, and tons of comfort was sure in 75's favor. Sadly, Rover's reputation after 30 years of mismanagement wasn't an advantage, accompanied with the general look & feel of an unfinished vehicle, My guessing is that Rover initially made a car to compete with Jaguar. Then they realized it would be too expensive (or too small) for the audience, and gave up the final touches. Feels like it's lacking identity (then came Project Drive nailing the coffin). As for nostalgia, I love the 75/ZT. I would have picked it over a "better" car back in that day. But I do also see why it wasn't just enough.

[@SANDSCORCHER]

Beautifully put Malcolm. I couldn’t have said it better myself Sir. 👍🏻

[@mrtalmos]

That 75 looks brand new! Love the 75 and especially the tourer

[@furkankavsur7638]

My aunt had the exact same 2003 75 also as a manual with the same color and everything and even the interior and 2.5 V6 engine

[@furiousdriving]

Was this hers?!?

[@julianowens4071]

Why is it , every car review you do makes me want to buy that car, in my mind I’ve bought at least 27 classics or retros, love the review, thank you for all your efforts, really look forward to watching them.

[@user-itschad1954]

I know exactly what you mean. I'm going to have to unsubscribe. Lol.

[@furiousdriving]

Its harder after I driven them to walk away!

[@tides2002]

As way of a slight correction: The car would have been built in Longbridge, the early Cowley built cars are denoted with black sills and the switch was made before any tourers were built. It was said at the time the production line regardless of its location was one of the most advanced in Europe. Project “Dive” was in full swing by 2003 but it hadn’t quit fully touched the 75 at that point.

[@furiousdriving]

You are right, I made a mistake in my notes and didnt check them, I know all that as well

[@pb7870]

Is that a Rover emoji

[@Strike86]

I found a guide to project drive with pictures and it seems this particular car was hit by it for sure. The dashboard is plastic rather than wood (indicated by the recessed airbag badge), it's missing the driver's grab handle, the parcel tray under the boot floor, the boot release button by the driver's right leg and the 2.5 V6 lozenge badge on the bottom of the front door. Plenty of other changes and omissions under the skin, no doubt.

[@tides2002]

P B The Rover emoji is there because I am a member of the channel.

[@jayfo4950]

Strike86 I was at Longbridge at the time of project Drive. Rear pillar Rover badge and BMW stereos were also deleted. Also, smaller and thinner wheels were used...

[@zuyvox]

Back in 2001 I was able to sit in a brand new Rover 75, and it was the best interior Ive ever seen back then. This stange feeling sitting in a 20k car that gives you a feeling of an 50k car. I can´t understand why Rover went bankrupt.

[@edwardmullan2724]

They cut costs. I had a 2001 model, I sat in a 2005 one and it was very different.

[@gadrian58]

Unfortunately they had to cut costs as they didnt have any money but to save Rover they should have returned to a niche manufacturer like they were before they were forced into a shotgun wedding with Austin etc. Austin's large Longbridge plant should have been sold and scaled down production and they might have been saved. Though the other problem they had was the poor management.

[@edwardmullan2724]

gadrian58 yes really badly managed. A mk 2 75 with proper up to date styling and a smaller focus competitor could have saved the company. The V8 75 and ZT and the SVT were barking up the wrong tree.

[@edwardmullan2724]

Even if they had managed to sharpen up the body panels and interior of the 75 it would have maybe helped. The face lifted angular bumpers on the curvy body really looked like an afterthought

[@hlund73]

@@gadrian58 Nah, old Rover ceased to exist with the SD1. It was just badge engineering on Austins, then Hondas.

[@bextar6365]

Still has great styling even today, looks better than a lot of new 2020 models.

[@danieltompkinson5582]

I’m 23 years old and although I don’t know the history and backstory of the Rover 75 and other rovers from the time period, I think this is a superb car and would love to own one myself. I’d personally choose the 2.0 cdti diesel preferably with a manual gearbox but if I did find a 2.5 v6 with a manual that’s the one I’d go for. I just think this was a super cool executive car that everyone should appreciate

[@user-itschad1954]

What a wonderful car, I had one of the very last 75's on an 06 plate. Of 43 years of driving simply the best car, and I have had Audi's, Mercedes and Volvo's along with a few Vw's .So refined and smooth. Everybody that got in it was so impressed. I looked at buying this but road fund licence of £330 cannot be justified although insurance was very reasonable. What a shame there is no more Rover.

[@frothe42]

This vehicle is you! You do like Rover, and this ticks all your boxes. I adore the Wedgewood Blue colour, as blue is my favorite. Not top spec, but just enough to make one comfortable, and I really like they added mudflaps, very smart indeed. A gorgeous estate, and soon to be classic.

[@grahamevans9606]

My 75 Connie diesel was Wedgewood blue. A lovely car which I had for 5 years..and would have kept but I needed a auto because my left knee needed surgery. Love your enthusiasm for the brand.

[@julesviolin]

Our 75 Tourer Auto now on 210k miles. Had it since 2007 together with wife's MG ZT They seem to keep going forever. The amazing thing is youngsters lately have admired them and actually called them cool cars ⚠️ By not paying £500 each on new lease cars, we've actually saved £100k each since 2007........ That's the value of a 🏠 😊

[@paulillingworth1242]

Conspiracy theory I’d say is correct, the Rover is far better built than the Jag, when I bought my 2nd Rover many years ago I considered a Jag, the Rover far better built than Jag and 75 is in higher quality than many of it competitors at the time.

[@marksbikeexports5123]

l wish my XK8 was a nice inside, instead of the janky ford shite it has

[@projectronnie]

Buy it!! trade in your merc!!!

[@gryfandjane]

There’s so much there to like. I’m in the USA, but as an MG enthusiast I followed the fortunes of MG Rover during this period, and was intrigued by the 75 and the MG ZT. Thanks for the up-close look!

[@alanblanes2876]

I wonder if we can get the latest updates...These are now MG made in China from what I've heard.

[@kenbarlow5373]

@@alanblanes2876 I'd love to know under the skin how close they are. Look nice though! Roewe 750 I think? Probably wrong though!

[@kenbarlow5373]

@Gryfandjane For some reason it's always so heartening to hear of those 'over the pond' being so positive about old British marques! If you're ever on holiday this way give us a shout, so many cool things I'd love to show you from the motor museum at Gaydon to the Spitfire in Hanley museum in my home city of Stoke-on-Trent! Have a great rest of your week and have an even better weekend! 🏁🇬🇧🇱🇷

[@gryfandjane]

@@kenbarlow5373 Hi, Ken! I’ve owned a ‘78 MG Midget for almost 28 years, doing all my own work, and have studied the marque and traveled to England, stayed with friends, visited Abingdon and the Motor Museum… So yes, I guess I’m an enthusiast! Thanks so much for the invitation, I’d love to make it back over some time.

[@skimmingstonedrone]

Someone must have taken delivery of that car and put it straight into a time capsule. The 75 is so underrated they never really aged because they looked retro when they first rolled off the production line.

[@grandcarriage1]

It’s a beautiful estate. (The design) Still looks fresh almost 20 years later.

[@philipenglish2326]

Thanks for a great review of this wonderful car. It’s great to hear someone being so enthusiastic about the Rover 75 unlike many others. I have a V6 2.5 manual and it’s one of the best cars I’ve ever owned.

[@julesviolin]

We hear that same comment over and over again from our 75ZT customers :) These are already classics & will live on a few more decades yet!! @Jules75ZT

[@Wolf1ekun]

I owned a 75 Tourer last year for a brief period, it was a charming car to drive and if it had been as well kept as this one I would still have it! Incredibly rare here in Australia, I’ve never seen another Tourer in the flesh.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Sorry to be that guy in the comments, but Project Drive began in beginning of 2001 (I worked for MG Rover late 90s to early mid 2000s). This is a Project Drive car. Pre penny pinching, dashboard was real wood veneer (this car is plastic imitation wood, albeit pretty good), headrests had embossed Rover Emblems, twin cup holders were fitted, all doors had over head internal grab handles, on the outside of the two front doors were chrome badges denoting engine size, plus a few other bits and pieces. All Tourers were Project Drive cars. The early saloons were built at Cowley, and had black sills. Longbridge cars were body colour. I can send an email with full details if you need, but I don't want to teach you how to suck eggs. It's just I know these cars pretty well because I worked with them when they were new. Always loved the 75, and great review as always. This particular one would look very good on the Furious Fleet 🚗👍

[@furiousdriving]

you are right, I scribbled the wrong year in the notes and it went wrong from there

[@matthewgodwin3050]

@@furiousdriving Sorry again, I don't like picking holes in other people's work, and I appreciate how much time and effort goes into making these videos. You're right about one thing though, the Phoenix four were worthless dirt bags, and not just because they stole my pension fund, along with those of my colleagues. To be fair, splitting up Rover from Land Rover and taking away Mini meant that Rover couldn't have survived long term, and the four charlatans knew that. My opinion is that they took it on with the sole intention of using Rover as a meal ticket, paying themselves very nice salaries and putting in very little work. Pissing away what money there was left on the motorsport and MG SV projects was frankly stupidity in the extreme. I left the company around the time the City Rover was released. I remember standing in the compound looking at the first models to be delivered to us and shaking my head in despair. It was heart breaking to see a once fine company reduced to selling re badged tat out of pure desperation created by the idiots supposedly running the show. I lived, breathed and slept Rover, as did many of my co workers. It was more than just a job. When Rover finally folded, it was like losing a family member, not to mention a huge part of our souls. Thanks be to the people who keep the old cars alive. It always lifts my heart when I see one on the road. A reminder of happier times, when we made some damn fine cars in this country.

[@barryroach1980]

I love this car. When they stopped making these lovelies they sent a shed load over to Moscow and they were snapped up , must have been around 15 years ago..........now you are lucky to see one in a blue moon!....i came back to blighty for a beano around the same time , 2005 and hired a 75 auto for a couple of weeks, it was like driving a jag which i've had a few (btw wedgewood blue was the colour of one of my XJ'S , sumptuous) . Summary , great car in British racing green!

[@alisterwest6987]

Got one 50000 miles on the clock love it forgot to add Connie in British racing green 👍

[@paul7t5]

The Phoenix Four also managed to keep Rover afloat for five years, which was a good few more years than anyone expected. And certainly five more years than if they hadn't stepped in and took over.

[@alansimpson835]

Could have been longer if they hadn't been so intent on lining their own pockets

[@furiousdriving]

5 years was as long as the money lasted, with better management and investing in the right projects they could still be going now

[@antirufus]

The level of enthusiasm in this video is really contagious. Great start to the day!

[@histriamagna1014]

We miss cars like this today. Classy and warm, tasty and practical, beatiful and original. Todays hi tec gadget no soul boxes are just hilarious. Greetings from Slovenia.

[@furiousdriving]

Totally agree! This this oozes class and style!

[@nick2203]

I’ve always thought the 75 was a good car and loved its retro looks. I’ll also admit I’m a fan of Rover group cars. I had an MG ZS 180 which had the KV6 2.5 engine. There were issues vis motors on the inlet manifold and unfortunately I had to replace the manifold on my MG, expensive. That said it was a seriously quick car and that V6 growl was addictive. It was definitely one of the better cars I’ve owned.

[@ryano8768]

"KV6's aren't prone to HGF" - Something I got sick of saying when I had my ZS180.

[@Spac8]

Still got one, still sick of saying it. 😂 Great motor. Love it to bits, despite it trying to ruin me.

[@Banom7a]

but the VIS though, but still remotely reliable than the K-Series without HGF fix haha.

[@Spac8]

@@Banom7a the VIS is a PITA. Hahaha. But get re engineered motors sealed from the manifold on the groups and a decent manifold and you're set. I hated mine for ages giving issues. Got a really low mile manifold with new motors and it's a totally different thing. Can't wait to get ITB's one day and throw the whole thing in the bin though, just to be done with the hassle! 😂 As you say, a fixed K is okay, but a badly done HG change is as bad as a bad original. Got to be done right with the right gasket, and have the liner heights checked! Now we have the later N Series stuff from the Chinese though they're fairly bulletproof and as they should have been all along.

[@grandcarriage1]

What is HGF?

[@Spac8]

@@grandcarriage1 Head Gasket Failure :)

[@wuvsvidz9754]

I love my 75 Tourer. Mine is a diesel automatic though so more or less the polar opposite of this one - it's very much a relaxed cruiser. It is a Connie SE though so has nice bits like cruise control and sat nav. I did have a 2.5 V6 auto a few years back and I found the gearbox to be pretty responsive. I would like to have a go in a manual one though - like you say, they go round corners far better than they have any right to.

[@Max-gz7ik]

Now this is an interesting one, the 75 in my opinion is pretty much the only good thing to come from the BMW buy out if AustinRover or whatever it was called that day. My grandfather bought one new in 2000, 2.5 V6 automatic which got passed to my father after his W124 died. My grandfather wanted something more outrageous for his final car and replaced it with a Westfield! Regardless I spent an awful lot of time in that car both as a passenger in the front and the back, sadly it died at 360k just as I started learning to drive. It was pretty much trouble free throughout its life, the only big job it had was new injectors at 115k a job my Dad bravely tackled himself! Things of note are the drivers side cup holder, ours definitely had one. Maybe it was deleted on manuals as it may get in the way of your clutch foot? Secondly that rear arm rest was tragic, presumerably a change for the Tourer? Ours was a two part affair that lifted up revealing two extra cup holders (a total of four in the rear?) a table and pen holder. I miss that car, Dad went back to Mercedes estates after that. Personally I don't think they're anywhere near as refined or comfortable. The ride on the 75 always felt pretty unmatched. I planned on getting one earlier this year but instead rescued a 45 Connoisseur that had been sitting for months in a hedge, it only had 44k on the clock and was in desperate need of TLC. I've nearly finished all the repair work on it so I may be in contact if you want it for a video!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

These are a very nice car! Comfortable, powerful, well built and a nice design!

[@alansimpson835]

Another car that looked even better as an estate than a saloon. Lots of very nice design to set it apart from the class and pretty well built by all accounts. They still look distinctive today and what a noise

[@sandeepjoshua3019]

What a beautiful car. I really loved rear seats and space. Good for long journeys.

[@MarkieC1990]

Always remember my friends dad having a V6 manual Tourer back in ‘05/‘06. Copperleaf red with cream leather. Really nice car.

[@datathunderstorm]

This was my dream car for a very long time, about 7 years ago. I wanted a top of the range Connoisseur 2.0 CDTi Estate Auto (with the excellent Beemer Diesel engine of course). In the end, I chickened out - only because of emissions! Ended up with a top of the range 2008 Prius TSpirit instead (leather, voice commands and all), but I’ll tell you this; The 75 was the only BRITISH CAR that my heart wanted. Your review has shown me things I didn’t even know about the 75...!!! That BMW DNA went very deep indeed. Don’t like Beemers but I was absolutely smitten by the 75 - it had genuine pedigree!!! Probably the most luxurious classically RETRO designed vehicle that I failed to purchase 😢 If it wasn’t for emissions penalties and the eventual ULEZ shite, I’d have bought one!!!!

[@person.X.]

A good friend of mine worked at Rover back in the day and had a 75 pre-production car as his company car for a while months before it was sold to the public or details released to the press. The most fun type of car to own ever as no-one knew what the hell it was and were super curious! The only problem was when we were driving it and a key part got damaged - no spare parts at any garage so couldn't get it fixed lol. Very nice car to drive although not the most exciting.

[@thisisadebrown]

Did you know that when these are at their height and being made they actually continually scored more quality points than BMW3 series?

[@furiousdriving]

I can believe that

[@user-yb1dg8oj6x]

The intersecting curves dance is my favorite thing so far. Great channel by the way, happy I've stumbled upon it by algorithm chance! Oops, actually it wasn't a chance, I just remembered that I've got a lovely blue Rover 216 Coupe with quite a few exterior issues, and found your channel while looking it up! I'm in love with it, it suits me perfectly and I'm more than happy to improve the exterior while enjoying the great working machine and lovely interior underneath.

[@iamthefatstig]

Just bagged a low mileage (for year) diesel and its blimmin lovely. Auto suits the diesel very well, and in sport it will happily lift its petticoat up and hustle. Its far nicer and more refined than my younger Audi A6, that's for sure. This one is a keeper.

[@heathermcglade4166]

Shoestring Shed I too have a low mileage CDTI Club 75 auto. It's a superb car, style, comfort, and with the bulletproof M47, it's good for 300k. The 75 ? I love 'em !!

[@1andycraig]

I had one of these estates in this colour with 2l diesel. Kept it 3 1/2 years drove thru france and spain in it. And the eu peeps loved it. To date it is still the best car i have ever driven . I miss it to be fair .

[@paulbrealey3200]

I have owned 2 X 75 saloons, a 2.0 V6 auto and a CDT, 3 X MG ZT a cdti, 2.5 V6 160 and a 190 zt-t and 3 X 75 tourers ( 2 were CDT connoisseurs ) and the last one was an 03 2.5 V6 connoisseur se highline manual in BRG fantastic car fully specced. As a note the tourer versions were Longbridge built by phoenix. The mini and 75 production lines were swapped when BMW pulled out. The Cowley built 75's have black sills where the Longbridge ones are body coloured.

[@davidhayes4814]

One test of a conspiracy theory was whether it started immediately after the event.... not 3 to 5 years later. BMW no more wanted the Rover 75 to fail than it did the new Mini. Great video though.

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, thanks for bringing back such everyday cars that mostly have been forgotten.

[@pauldavies6037]

2.5 Manual lucky man wish they were on sale today stylish well made and practical

[@jamesrichardson4604]

Always had a soft spot for these rovers ,just so elegant. My father had a freelander with the 2.5v6 ,was such a relaxing car to drive. Really enjoyed this video. Love your reviews.

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks!

[@benbrown3541]

The front seats were also fitted to the Rover 45, where they reduce rear legroom a little bit due to the Rover 400 seats being thinner, but I do agree, they are supremely comfortable. Maybe a bit more of the 75 should have been carried over to the 45 aswell, beyond the seats & front headlights, oh well ;)

[@applejuice5272]

25:05 I timed it at 8.85 seconds on my phone. 0-100 km/h / 0-62 mph is quoted at 8.8 seconds for the 75 Tourer 2.5 manual. Good going Matt!

[@per6605]

Had one of those four years ago... a 2002 2.0 V6 manual tourer. Really nice! I always felt good-looking while driving it! Also, it could fit a 2.00 x 1.20 m sheet of plywood in the rear.

[@LOTPOR0402]

Nice looking Estate car , puts a lot of these ugly modern mainly German utility cars to shame

[@coopers4491]

Germans made a great merc and bmw in the past now its all about the. MONEY!!!!

[@y4nnickschmitt]

I wouldn't call it ugly BUT I drove past a RS6 C8 today and it seems as though they entered a challenge on how many sharp lines and creases they could possibly ad. And that kind of design certainly isnt gonna be attractive with the years passing. I think car manufacturers have lost the ability to produce "timeless" designs. Since most new things just look so incredibly busy. ANOYING!

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Great review Matt, could not agree with you more, a beautiful car with pure understated elegance in the perfect colour , if ever there was a car that before long will become unaffordable , this is it - an absolute bargain !

[@furiousdriving]

With so few good ones left the survivors are going to get valuable very soon

[@RichieRouge206]

My V50 was Dawn Blue Pearl which was very similar to Wedgewood and a truly wonderful hue - especially on a grey day. And a V6 engine is always a winner - best sounding engines ever. Such a lovely, rare and appealing car - definately understand the appeal and enthusiasm you have lol. Pop Master is bloody awesome 😎😆 Great video Matt!

[@TwinCam]

Matt, you have to buy it. It's bloody perfect. Certainly one of my dream cars, although being pedantic I'd have the cream leather!

[@TommyRogic18]

Have you seen the Regular Car Reviews video on the 75? Now might be the time to buy as your insurance comes down and the prices of these bottom out. Under 2k for a good 1.8 or diesel one still and 4 for an absolute minter V6 like this. Club scene looks fantastic too. I was very tempted by an MG 4.0 largely off the back of your video.

[@user-jy8ih9mj5l]

What a gorgeous looking vehicle very classy and elegant and powerful. Never owned a Rover 75 but that is going to change soon, always had a soft spot for them especially these estates. What a great video with an enthusiastic driver 😁

[@Spac8]

Seriously want a scruffy one of these as a workhorse. Got the 2.5 KV6 in my ZS180, would be good to have it in a 75 too! Great video as usual. They don't suffer with head gasket problems by the way, the early handmade ones in the Rover 825 seemed to pop like balloons, but the later mass produced ones tend to be fairly bulletproof mechanically. They do however suffer from inlet manifold problems with it being a variable system with two motors. The manifolds tend to wear over time and "rattle". (The internal butterfly's break away from the actuating rod and rattle around with revs.) And the VIS motors tend to fill with oil mist as they're open to manifold vacuum. Even if this doesn't happen they just sometimes stop working anyway. There are people re engineering them however and that makes them much more reliable. Be prepared to pay £200 odd for a lowish mileage plastic inlet manifold, £500 for a almost new one and £1000+ for a brand new one. Re engineered VIS motors are £80ish if I remember correctly. Don't let it scare you away though, it's a gorgeous engine and once you have a decent manifold and motors, they're done for a long time and you can enjoy it for what it is, a lightweight, 7000rpm V6. It's lovely.

[@maxidyne]

Look at that pretty interior! Together with the Lybra the nicest interiors of the late 90s early 00s. And the outside is still beautiful, especially this pre facelift one. Detailed and washed one for years (saloon) for some elderly people. Sadly it's sold to someone who was just looking for a cheap car... Great video Matt, thanks!

[@furiousdriving]

Shame, hope the buyer will keep looking after it, they are getting rarer now

[@mattw8332]

3 cambelts? I never knew that was a thing! I'd love to have a test drive in one of these. Such a lovely interior too. Such a shame how MG Rover ended up. 😞 Gone too soon.

[@applejuice5272]

One at the front of the engine and one at the back of each cylinder head - the exhaust camshafts drove the inlet camshafts via a toothed belt.

[@davidmccaffray7690]

If I was living in the UK at this time, the Rover would be in my driveway 👍

[@anthonyperkins7556]

Those extended wheelbase limousine versions of the Rover 75 Tourer Estate / Saloon are rare, few bought them, and they are difficult to come across. If you can manage to get hold of one, and you need the room to get taller passengers in the back, they're a good sensible buy.

[@wrightcodyj]

I get strong Mini vibes from the interior design on this vehicle, both make use of very similar oval/rounded elements, although the Rover adds on a bit more luxury. Even the dash configuration (horizonal pieces with rounded vents) is quite similar to the new Mini of that era.

[@simonsutton5499]

A manual 75 V6 Tourer, Lovely. My brother had a 3.0 V6 Vauxhall Omega Elite estate with a 5 speed manual gearbox. Only after it was written off in a flood & tried to replace it did he realise how rare it was.

[@Rover75ConnoisseurSE]

I Love the Rover 75 so much it’s my Favourite Car with the First Generation Jaguar XF & the Jaguar S-Type (Well my Favourite Executive Cars), I love my 75 so much mines a 2005 model, A Connoisseur SE Saloon in Starlight Silver, it was made in July 2004 and I love it so much, I’ve owned it for nearly 5 months as my second car with my amazing 25 as my First Car. The Rover 75 is the perfect car for me, My 75 feels very pre-project drive and has side airbags. Mines a 1.8T and it was registered around 2 weeks before MG Rover went into administration. The 1.8T is an amazing engine for the 75 it’s very powerful and a lot of torque and great fuel economy and it’s a Manual which I love. One day in my 20s I’m going to get a 2001 or 2002 Rover 75 2.5L V6 Connoisseur SE Saloon I would love it to be a Manual with a Personal Line Deepsea Green Leather Interior with the Union alloys which are best on the pre-facelift models. I would love that one as my “weekend car” sort of. But I love my 75 very much and I’m keeping it forever no car or newer car in my opinion except maybe a Jaguar can replace my 75, it’s my favourite car of all time. I love it both in Pre-Facelift and Facelift like the First Generation Jaguar XF. But I had to get a Facelift but it looks fantastic, modern and classy at all of them, but I absolutely love the Pre-Facelift still modern and classy and iconic. I always prefer Saloons to their Tourers or Estate Derivatives. I love this 75 Tourer and if I wanted an Estate Car the 75 Tourer will always be the top for me. The 75 and S-Type are like brothers and the 75 is obviously the better car, but I always thought the 75 is the size of a S-Type, 5-Series, XF and etc instead of the X-Type and 3-Series which I think are the size of the 45 Saloon. The 25 is staying another year with my 75 too.

[@rarevhsuploads4995]

Exactly what I have a 2001 2.5L V6 Connoisseur SE with Deep Sea Green interior except it’s an automatic on Comet alloys as my preference is for a soft ride with easy driving.

[@Rover75ConnoisseurSE]

Rare VHS uploads Mines a 2005 Connoisseur SE 1.8T with Black Leather Seats with Cream Lining, That’s on 16” Forked Spoke Alloys, It’s extremely comfortable and amazing. Your 75 is the same age as me, I think for the Pre-Facelift 75s the 2001 & 2002 Models are the best and for the Facelift the 2005 Models are the best.

[@glen1555]

Having watched this, I now wish I'd kept my 1.8 turbo tourer. Was the most comfortable car I've had. I had the CD player which held 6 disks. The climate control was great, I had it set to 18 degrees all year round

[@fonziebulldog5786]

My neighbor once owned a Rover 75 with V6 and automatic. However it never worked properly. And i guess his Rover wasnt alone on that.

[@furiousdriving]

They were usually very good for reliability but as they've aged there are alot of cheap neglected examples

[@Ricketik65]

Always liked the 75, it was so classy!

[@timprice5]

That car has been beautifully looked after! I really like the baby blue colour, and the chrome trim down the body lines looks mega. Many people go for the 'black pack' or shadowline trim on their cars these days, but i love a bit of chrome.

[@repairupdaterepeat5815]

Been waiting for you to do the 75. I've got a royal blue cdt manual. These were built just as the project drive started so no bullet badges on the doors or, sad to say, no real wood dash. But you do get spare wheel liner etc.

[@khew1]

Superb and very funny video! Never thought I'd ever hear cress mentioned in a car review!! Never liked rovers particularly but they're growing on me after watching your videos.

[@grayfool]

Very nice. One of the best looking 75s I've seen.

[@MrVinylista]

I have a 1999 2.5 auto saloon and I love it. I can happily drive it instead of my Jaguar XK8, it feels like a silky smooth comfortable British classic. By 2003 when this was made, the quality had really dropped sadly - but it's still a nice car to have. 75s were and are hugely underrated. They're ten a penny right now but prices will soon start climbing. If you're not into sporty driving, then it's the best small saloon car of its generation in my opinion.

[@applejuice5272]

23:54 It also has - along with the W205 and W206 C Class - a class-leading 100 kg noseweight limit on the towbar, too. By comparison a Discovery has a 150 kg limit. On the 75 and ZT Club forum, one member remarked that a friend regularly used his 75 Tourer 2.0 CDTi to tow construction equipment, mini diggers etc - but did go through clutches a fair bit. The 75 and 75 Tourer can tow between 1.2 tons (1.8), 1.4 tons (1.8T and 2.0) and 1.6 tons (2.5, 4.6 and 2.0 CDTi) with brakes and 750 kg without.

[@MarkGalbraithVideos]

Oh you bad man Matt. I had resisted the temptation to buy a Rover 75 2.5 V6 for so long. I had been doing so well, but now you've gone and made me buy one !

[@furiousdriving]

haha oops!

[@TommyRogic18]

I did look into buying the V8 MG version of this car earlier in the year in a mad paint job, a bit like a TVR. Sadly it needed some work and I was put off. I’m sure it would’ve been a fun car to own. Mixed feelings about the 75. Lovely cars but a lost opportunity to modernise and save the company. If Jag could drag itself into the 21st century Rover should have too.

[@stepheng8779]

Our Ford Kuga Mk1 had a split boot like that, had it over 10 years think we used it twice :) Beautiful colour, lovely car, it's spot on. Go on buy it, you know you want to :)

[@Thanos.m]

What a lovely car and excellent review the comemt on the dom lights 😂 you really dont expect them to sound that good ! my 75 has been reviewed on KZbin its an auto v6 saloon 2003 is well into project drive as for the economy 29mpg is very optimistic although they will do mid 30s at a push on the motorway as for safety I can testify for it in my 1st 75 I had a bad accident at 60mph and I came out unscaved 😂

[@jamessalt13]

Great review. I had a 75 Club SE with the least powerful state of tune (116bhp) BMW diesel engine for a number of years, including a substantial period where I had an 80 mile round commute to work, mainly motorway miles. It was the perfect car for the task - comfortable, smooth, quiet, bomb proof and economical. I also had a ZT 1.8t for a shorter period around the same time but it just didn't suit me right then unfortunately. If I remember rightly from the forums back then, there used to be a driver's side cup holder conversion that was possible if you could get hold of a passenger's side one from a LHD vehicle.

[@FernandoIjurco]

Definitely oval shape was a thing back then, that Rover, Mondeos, Méganes and my recently bought Fiat Brava all have quite a lot of oval shape elements in their interiors! Nice video as always! Rovers are such an exotic thing here in Argentina, beautiful cars but impossible to have. They are famous for mechanical issues and no spare parts available 😕

[@heiltd1286]

I have a Rover 75 facelift which is the same colour as this but with BMW diesel engine. It's a beautiful car.

[@tonys1636]

That was a bonus with the old registration book or "log book", all the previous owners names and addresses were there and the PO stamps from every time it was taxed, all the engine changes and the taxation class changes were recorded. The one problem with the new documents is if one changes address it is recorded in the total number of previous owners. I had a two owner car but as I changed address 6 times whilst owning it, previous owners recorded as 8. You were a naughty boy, entering that hatch marked area when passing the truck. ( edit ) Yes and before any one mentions it that should be keeper and not owner.

[@allansmith2248]

Have a rover 75 tourer bought in 2003 only 22000 miles on the clock and never let me down starts first time and so comfortable

[@rydermike33]

What an absolute stunner! That sound, that colour that under dash cress shelf! Beautiful and I want one. Thanks Matt.

[@epj900]

That, is the nicest interior I've seen!!

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

Most people don’t expect a V6 to be so revvy in character, the VW V6 is similar. The 1.8 non-turbo K series 75 has a fairly low geared 5 speed box so that combo is revvy too, suits the engine fine and needed to keep it buzzing when pulling a big car with up to 5 adults in it.

[@anonamous7108]

I own a Rover 75 2.0 litre auto with gas conversion, runs on lpg or petrol. Done 196,000 miles never missed a beat. The K6 engine is virtually bullet proof.

[@CreRay]

Each to his own of course, but this seems like a very desirable car to me. I love the color, I love the engine, I love that it's a manual. I wonder why it wasn't a bigger success at the time, perhaps its styling was too radical? I was rubbing my eyes when I saw the price of this example -less than half the price of the Renault 4 GTL next to it! No joke!

[@ChrisJackson-cq4zk]

I have Tourer the 115CDT 2002 Highline Connoisseur. its done almost 217,000 and i adore it. I can get fantastic MPG. However like the one you drove project drive started to seep in the wood on the dashboard is not real that does not bother me. Just service them and keep and eye on the weak spots like master and slave cylinder issues. Had it 8 years now will not part with it. Yes the the TV and Sat nav no longer works the brain in the boot would not shut down and it drained my battery. Ive replaced the rear suspension arms went at 208,000 cant complain rebuilt the whole air con system. I could have got rid years ago but there is something about it its a beautiful place to be on the most boring of commutes and the beauty is they are getting rare now. She is a keeper thats for sure

[@rovingenglish3112]

Thank's Matt Love your reviews so much enthusiasm and engry. The Rover 75 is one of my favourites had a loan of my friends 1999 Rover 75 2.5V6 Auto over Christmas for a week in New Zealand Wonderful Cars. The Rover 75 seems to of got even better with age.still looks and feels so Special. Enjoy All your reviews but Especially the Rovers Thanks Again 🙂👍.

[@furiousdriving]

Glad you like them!

[@rovingenglish3112]

@@furiousdriving sure do Loving the Rover Cabby updates 👍.

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Matt,great video on this Rover 75 V6, another shock its a manual,a friend of mine had the saloon in the same colour,this one is a low mileage car.

[@Roadwarrior92]

I want a rover 75 so badly. Great to see a fresh review of my favourite rover Haha

[@alxwlsh]

We used to have the sportier MG ZT 190+ saloon with the same 2.5 litre v6 and woah the noise was bloody magnificent, lovely looking car too! :)

[@CortinasAndClassics]

I have a 75 automatic cdt. Lovely car to drive. Mine is Wedgwood too. Mine has a different bonnet release which I don't like.

[@woodrow_mayes]

I believe the c°/f° button is a holdover from when they were planning to sell in a America. Such as the iconic chrome belt line was meant to contain a US spec corner light (see the test mules).

[@rover416si8]

I LOVE YOU ROVER 75

[@savecolaclibrarynow]

Nice car, it was released at the same time as the S-type Jaguar which had a 3 litre v6 engine. When I drove a Rover 75 a few years ago it seemed underpowered and it is front-wheel drive so around corners you can feel it is, also sadly from the 3rd December 2001 from VIN 238547 onwards, the real wood dash was replaced by the plastic effect version for all 75s. Other than that it still looks good much better than more modern cars.

[@alanblanes2876]

Thanks so much for doing this review...those of us in North America have always been curious about the 75 which we never had a chance to get in this market. Your delightfully British review is a riot...If ever you can do an update on the China version of the MG that too would be a treat.

[@sailingandthegreatoutdoors7256]

Hi. Loved the video. Have the club se version same colour. One thing that surprised me was the slots in the driver left arm rest. You mentioned they was tape cassette holders. I love that and I’m so happy now as I still have the original stereo with tape player and use tapes for the retro feel. Cheers.

[@charliebrown4573]

Spent many a "happy" hour machining the heads for the kv6 engine, the guys and gals on the engine assembly worked hard and the lady who had the con rod bolt up job had it tough

[@devilax03]

Great video. Love the 75 although never owned one, had an MG ZT190 and a ZTT CDTi however. A note on the indicators, they were never next to the headlights (they were on the 45 though). They were however higher up on the MGs due to the ride height difference

[@julesviolin]

Great cars We've specialised in these since 2005. Upgrades, fault finding sales and mot prep @Jules75ZT