Rover 75 Review - Should You Buy Britains Last Car?

In 1998, The Rover 75 was launched. Just seven years later, Rover was gone, and the 75 became Britains last mass produced car.
Should that stop you buying it? And how well does a car without a company fare now?
In this episode Tony takes the BMW CDTI engined 75 out for a spin, and gives you his emotional verdict.
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[@howard81]

The 2.0 and 2.5-litre KV6 engines used in the 75 were full in-house Rover designs that replaced the Honda V6 engines found in the Rover 800, etc. They are reliable and rarely gives issues, but are very thirsty and have 3 cam belts to change! I have a 2001 Connoisseur SE with the 2.5 V6 and it is a wonderfully smooth car that soaks up the miles in comfort and ease. I’m really not sure if it’s possible to find anything modern that would match it. Love the video, and great to see a 75 review that does the car justice!

[@CarSoul]

I think we might need to start a podcast to cover the the superior knowledge in the comments! Devastated I got that one mixed up, but glad to know the best one I drove was British thoroughbred. I do blame that mishap on the fact me and my friend spent a year driving matching 45s, and those definitely came with Honda engines, I’m almost certain of it! 😂

[@andrewphillips6436]

@@CarSoul Don't know about the Rover 45, but I have a ZS180 with the 2.5 V6 & it's definitely the Rover KV6 not the Honda 2.7 V6. Good vid though, R75/ZTs are excellent machines & those who have them tend to keep them.

[@CarSoul]

@@andrewphillips6436 it seems that by the naughties the Honda engines were pretty much out. as bad as it feels to get that wrong, I'm glad to know that later Rovers were more British than even I realised!

[@Simon-ui6db]

@@CarSoul Nope. No 45 had a honda lump either. The early 400 autos had a honda D engine, but no 45s. 4 pot K , 6 pot K and L series diesels. All rover design.

[@CarSoul]

@@Simon-ui6db 400 series had a Honda 1.6, depends if you view the 45 as something much bigger than a 400 series facelift.

[@stuartspreadbury5740]

I think the 2.5 v6 is the best engine. I own 3 zts and all have the v6. Never an issue with them. Great cars

[@CarSoul]

We still need to get our hands on a ZT, and that comment makes us want one even more!

[@stuartspreadbury5740]

@@CarSoul I'm selling 2 of mine soon as I lost my storage.

[@GlenB-qo7wd]

I had ZT190+ 7 yrs it never put a foot wrong, one of the best cars I've had.

[@johankriel8883]

OK. I went and bought one about a month ago, a kv62.5 manual rhd and drove it home and put it under a cover. This is now my rewarding distraction, marveling at the design, learning and attending to the small imperfections.

[@vp1290]

I bought "Britains last car" in Feb 2006, a platinum gold Facelift 2.5 L Club (Australia) and it has been a 16 year, and often torrid (i.e., expensive), love affair that has no end in sight (thank you Rimmers). I have no regrets.

[@CarSoul]

You should always be careful getting attatched to cars, but I think the 75 is one you should let take over your heart and soul completely!

[@vp1290]

@@CarSoul Totally agree but my wife has a different opinion 😂

[@CarSoul]

@@vp1290 Balancing classic cars and wives? You are some kind of god.

[@vp1290]

@@CarSoul 😂 I got permission to buy the 75 by promising to get rid of the SD1 stalled rebuild project that was clogging up our garage. In the early years, the maintenance costs for the 75 were horrific and I was getting severe grief from the wife but 8 years ago it became just a Sunday drive and with a good honest mechanic, it now costs very little to run. My dear wife has even agreed for me to have the 75 restored to near new condition. I got a very good quote and I want to take it to car shows. So yes, I must be a God🤣

[@vp1290]

P.S. I bought the 75 on Mother's Day - extra God points for that one 😂

[@O1Richard]

I’ve had my pre facelift Rover 75 1.8T Connoisseur for 20 years, not failed an mot yet, parts are easy to get and it’s an enjoyable drive.

[@CarSoul]

I’ve always said if you know how to maintain a kseries they’ll actually treat you very well!

[@antfox7394]

I like the vibe of this video, pride in a great British car mixed with sadness they no longer exist. I hope we see Rover cars on the road for a long time yet.

[@CarSoul]

Thank you, we went a bit beyond a standard car review, but it's very hard not to let emotion come through with this one!

[@mikechaffin8100]

@@CarSoul Apparently there's 33 Rover 75s which have covered over 750,000 miles according to the DVLA. Unfortunately the ex wife nicked mine, though can't imagine I would ever have changed it otherwise.

[@vintagebicyclenut5764]

No V6 honda engines in fitted to the Rover 75 (Code Named CB 40) only the Rover KV6 2.0 litre & 2.5 litre and 1.8 K Series of course. I designed some of the Body Press Tooling for these back in 1996 in Cowley Oxford. The Tool & Body Design Department closed in 1998. Design Engineers no longer needed 😳😥

[@CarSoul]

That’s amazing, how did you feel about the tooling going to china?

[@buxvan]

I like the look of the 75 But always think that the Bonnet never looks shut properly.

[@CarSoul]

Those dreaded shutting lines 😣

[@derlangsame7813]

It is sad to know that the Rover 75 was the last British car. Apart from the latest one, which is the McLaren 765LT Spider.

[@CarSoul]

There are still some lovely British cars, but as far as your everyday car goes this one was really it. But it was and is very special 😫

[@corporatemcmahon2815]

Own one. Made my MOT! Heated seats, Android Radio unit, leather, cruise control and a timeless design. Love to have something not everyone has.

[@CarSoul]

They are certainly unique, and they’re only getting more special as time goes on.

[@corporatemcmahon2815]

@@CarSoul Thanks for taking time and answering. Loved your video. Nice shootings and honest words. It is a great car! Tomorrow I drive to work with it. 1 hour. It will be cold and it might snow. But inside the Rover 75 with its red light, heated seats and my Android unit, it is a blessing.

[@TalesByTheRiverBank]

I owned a 2.5 litre V6 for over 12 years. It was a very good car. Better than most cars that I have driven and that includes many popular makes and models. It was completely reliable and on a motorway run at 70mph returned 50+ mpg. Servicing costs were also very, very reasonable. A very comfortable car that easily held it's own and then some against anything comparable in it's class.

[@CarSoul]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@drewapicture6012]

Awesome tribute.... To a car I adore... I was they guy with vw who was interested in the swap... Nice work on the video, keep it up... The visuals and content does it justice.... Plus loving the shirt, added spice to a majestic interior 👍🏽😎

[@CarSoul]

Thanks very much, the shirt the matched the interior nicely, but it was entirely by accident 🥳

[@paddycoleman1472]

Very underrated car and a victim of the circumstances it was launched in to. Sadly, there will never be cars like this again. Leather, walnut and opulent interiors are a thing of the past replaced by gaudy touchscreens and minimalist design.

[@CarSoul]

Very well said.. *cough cough* don’t think we will be doing a Tesla any time soon

[@ascelot]

Fake walnut, with facelift, its plastic.

[@JuanAlvarez-km6dx]

I bought a used 75, Cowley built, diesel, in connoisseur top spec trim. It has been very reliable, only the clutch needed to be replaced and I knew that was coming when buying it in 2019 from its first owner.

[@fookinl3048]

Would you buy another one

[@CarSoul]

Clutches can be pricey on the diesels, but it’s not too bad if it’s not a surprise to you, glad to see some rover love!

[@Jules-xd7qg]

Great video! As a fellow owner of a silvergrey Mark II (with black leather seats and dark wooden dash in my case), it's nice to see someone else who prefers it. Also great to have some beautiful shots of 'my' car. It truly feels like a special occasion to settle into the wonderful classic interior every time I drive it. Lovely tribute video! All the best from the Netherlands

[@CarSoul]

Thanks very much, definitely one of the cars we’ve become more attached to during filming!

[@robertthompson6346]

I have the same car and write to agree with your comment and this excellent review. It's the drive comfort I love.....drive all day and never feel a twinge.

[@misssummersalt]

I think you should change the title to include the words "mass produced", because I spent almost all of this video thinking "it said Britain's last car... But what about Bentley? Bentley's are the single most British thing ever produced. Or Aston Martin? Rolls-Royce! MORGAN for goodness sake!". Only then at the very, very end of the video did you mention the words "mass produced" and I could finally feel at ease. Other than that, this was a really great video, cheers!

[@CarSoul]

Glad I kept you on the edge of your seat 🤭 of course we're pushing bias to the limit on this one, but when it comes to everyday real cars that the average joe stands a chance of buying, Astons and Morgans aren't on the radar, however glorious they are. And you say Bentley, but they're owned by VW Group, so can they keep the fully British badge? I genuinely do feel a bit sad in the 75, because it was the last fully British offering that real everyday people could walk into a showroom and buy, and it's an incredible car. I'm expecting and welcoming more debate on the topic! glad you liked the video 🥳

[@Thanos.m]

That's an excellent tribute and I have to saw owning both a Rover 75 and Jaguar S-Type the interior of the rover feels much more special and well built

[@CarSoul]

I've only driven an s type once, and although the drive was great, that interior was a let down.

[@chriskappert1365]

I fully agree !!! The oval yellow instruments , the 50s stile Bentleyseats , the one of a kind doorpanels , real wood dash . I bought my 2000 Connoseur in 2017 and love it to bits ! Greetings from Holland .

[@CarSoul]

I wanted to nerd off about the oval shapes. they're everywhere and they tie the interior together so perfectly!

[@Thanos.m]

@@CarSoul mine is a very late example so it's quite nice but no match to the ambiance of the Rover

[@CarSoul]

@@Thanos.m The later S-types seemed to go for a similar retro interior to the 75, Its a massive improvement over the pre facelift, but I think you're right, the 75 just about beats it!

[@JeremyWilliams-tz4xt]

I really enjoyed this video! Thanks!

[@CarSoul]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FrightfulAccountant]

Facelift was a huge improvement over the original. I think today's youth with their Dark Academia intrest would had loved this 75. It does have some obscure charm. Still, never liked it as much as the 800, the 600 and the first 400 and 200 coupe. They were just better cars then the Fords and the VW's they competed with, the 75 on the other hand was taking up against BMW 3, Mercedes C and Audi A6 and that was the big mistake. Still I agree on the interior, it is the premium over the jaguar S type interior.

[@CarSoul]

I spent a long time loving the original quad round headlights, but the facelift in this grey colour looks phenomenal. I still have a hard time deciding between this cream and wood interior, and the later black leather and grey dashboard interiors.

[@LeMagnum440]

Yes, depending on history etc. MG zt 190 owner here, love it.

[@CarSoul]

Always loved the darker interiors of the zts

[@metalman4141]

Great review. I’ve owned three 75s over the span of 21 years and today I still drive a W plate 2.5 V6 auto and enjoy it as much as the first time. Thank you Rover 🇬🇧

[@CarSoul]

Thank you, the best part of this film is reading comments from passionate rover owners!

[@cornholio1962]

My Dad's got a Black 2003 Connoisseur Diesel 80k on the clock , I'm an ex BL mechanic and AA Patrol, I've always loved them as soon as they were released. I used to love winding up Jag drivers " Is that a Rover 75"... I will take it on after Dad and cherish it . Ps I can only recall probably two I attended broken down in 33 years, apart from a flat battery, and I can even remember the faults Sticking fuel pump the small scavenge one under the bonnet, and a V6 that just came out of a garage after cam belts changed and it had snapped the belt !!

[@CarSoul]

Being a mechanic is always handy, good to hear they don’t break down too much, it means they’ll stay on the road for many more years 👌

[@kevjards]

Got an MG ZT which is diesel and drives flawless .Only got 75k on the clock and while i brought it up to scratch the car is brilliant. Best car i ever purchased. If i need anything then Rimmer Bros is awesome for parts.

[@CarSoul]

The MGs are very cool, the darker interiors are fantastic and great if you want a more contemporary feel 👌

[@fredMplanenut]

I love these cars. Nice to see that the example shown has at least two problems mine do. My elderly Aunt could not get over the quality of the dash.. My son lectures me on getting a fresh car, but his is the one needing wheel bearings. No matter the length of the journey, my aches and pains are not due to the wonderfully comfortable ride from the car.

[@CarSoul]

They are great mile munchers, and the build quality is so good for the pittance you can pick them up for.

[@incyphe]

excellently made video!

[@CarSoul]

Thank you very much!

[@andrewkingdon2000]

I literally just picked up an 04 CDTi 75 today and driving it home i was surprised how refined and well mannered it was. I too also felt a little sad. Difficult to explain really, maybe its because i grew up with Rovers in my youth even as i worked for British Aerospace when they owned them and i remember seeing the car park (and all the managers who had company cars) full of Rovers. That employee discount scheme was to die for. Ahhh the good old days.

[@CarSoul]

It keeps up well with todays cars, it must have been amazing at release

[@Ro32da72]

I just bought one, a 2001 75 diseasel. It's got it's issues but hey, at 22 years old that's no surprise. Still a great wafty car. A super video, many thanks, you got a new sub.

[@CarSoul]

We can’t wait to bring you more!

[@batchreviews]

Lovely video. Filmed near me I think

[@CarSoul]

Thank you, pleased you liked it! It was filmed around Portsmouth and Chichester

[@darrenwestley7348]

Still use my MG ZT daily, had it 20 years, bought it new, Never let me down, Love it

[@CarSoul]

I still need to drive a ZT 😫

[@johntbirks5865]

Slick and quality video more justice would have been served driving the MK1 75 but you gave it your best shot I presume.

[@CarSoul]

Thank you 🙏 It’s a tough call between pre and post facelift. The combo of facelift and this grey paint is unbeatable for me, but I’m sure you won’t be alone in your love for the mk1

[@tomcole020]

@@CarSoul Maybe less so on the 75/ZT but there was alot of cost cutting between the MK1 and MK2s. Our old ZS180 MK1 was no rolls Royce but it was a nice car with decent enough build quality/sound deadening. But my MK2 ZR sounds like a baked bean tin when it’s raining 😂 Easily sorted by adding some sound deadening to the car where it would’ve been on a MK1. Plus I think it’s worth it for the improved looks and interior of the MK2

[@CarSoul]

There have been some chats at CarSoul HQ about the lower quality of mk2's compared to mk1's. It's a terrible shame, but possibly a consequence of Rovers imminent demise?

[@Matityahu755]

Rovers = British I had a 214i, but had the new grille fitted by the dealers, before I took delivery. That car was one of the best I've ever driven. Engine was made by Honda. I love the 75 too, with the focus on the 75's high spec on cabin comfort, really did make the 75 a very desirable motor. The 75 had road presence that's for sure, and it still does. Ironically, I now drive the MG3 which, I believe replaced the Rover 25. (correct me if I'm wrong, my memory isn't what it used to be.) I always wanted the MGBGT, still do, but I'm glad that I own the MG3. It's a belter of a super-mini,. It's full of specifications too that you tend to get with higher end cars. I give my MG3 9/10.

[@CarSoul]

I believe the mg3 is pretty much entirely Chinese, but they bought the tooling for the 75 when rover when bust, so even the new Chinese MGs have a line to the good old days of Rover. I had a 45 diesel for two year and it was phenomenal. It’s a shame rovers last stand was so underrated

[@davarosmith1334]

Apart from being wrong about the kv6 engine being Honda's, I like the video. I have the 2.0 CDT 75 , my third 75. My last one was a 2.5 V6 , the other was the same CDT. I drove the 1.8 K series when I was a taxi driver and that was fine but not as good at over taking as a my 1.8 Vauxhall Vectra at the time,!

[@CarSoul]

Thanks, glad you liked it, I will spend the rest of my life being haunted by a non existent Honda engine 🙀

[@zeewin]

My pre-project drive 75 Conny SE KV6 has been serving me well, I treat her with love as a classic car, and have just had the roof lining and sunroof cassette removed for a complete resotration, the ride quality is superb, now planning to have it resprayed after restoring all door cards, sagging and rusty sills are a common problem on 75s. A true and classy Rover born just not in the right time very unfortunately...

[@CarSoul]

Ever rover I’ve ever been in has required a roof lining. Don’t think you can claim to be a rover owner until you’ve had one out 🤣

[@didvoyagerlefort6546]

salut propriétaire d'une 75 depuis 18 ans c'est une MK1 des toutes première produite 1998 et commercialisé en 2000 je n'ai que du plaisir de conduire avec tous les jours mais ce que j'aime par dessus tout ,elle fait tourner les têtes sur son passage

[@CarSoul]

Ils ont fait tourner de nombreuses têtes depuis leur sortie, c'est bon d'entendre que le vôtre est toujours aussi fort

[@vanjaustipak4223]

Bonjour, je veux acheter une rover 75 Rover 75 2.0 CDT 16v Classic mais la seule chose qui me freine est l’entretien et le remplacement éventuel des pièces. Les pièces sont elles dure à trouver et sont elles chères ?

[@KmT81]

Rover 75 1999-2005 ,I wish God gives me the means to have it once !

[@CarSoul]

If there ever were a god of motoring he would gift ever man with a rover 75

[@julesviolin]

I've owned a 2003 Rover 75 Tourer 50mpg since 2007 My wife got a 2004 MG ZT in the same year. 50mpg We still use them daily . Compared to folk paying £500 per month for lease package we have calculated 500 x12. = £6000 per annum over 17yrs = £102,000 each That's £204,000 we've saved ⚠️⚠️ That's not including all the deposits and balloon payments we've saved 😅 Our maintenance bills averaged out have been no more than £500 per year. We have 4 luxury holidays per year instead of owning new cars. Happy days we are literally laughing all the way to the bank and still driving in pure luxurious comfort £££££ 💜💜

[@CarSoul]

Luxury and saving money, that is the life!

[@thatsentertainment5602]

I test drove a Rover 75 2005 2.5 litre V6 and the acceleration was not responsive. I had to literally press hard with my foot on the accelerator to get speed pick up of the car. Is this a common issue with this series model?

[@CarSoul]

Not sure about it being an issue, but sometimes with big petrol cars you’ll find the power is all at the top end. Drive it like you stole it!

[@msmoppett]

@@CarSoul get the vis motors working.

[@msmoppett]

Yes. I run a 2.5 v6 with correct vis motors and a remapped diesel and the latter has far more oomph.

[@Xhevi1967]

I do have one too. It's beautiful car.

[@CarSoul]

Very much agreed 🥹

[@heiltd1286]

There were never Honda engines in the Rover 75/MG ZT. The KV6 engine was developed by Rover. The diesel is a reworked BMW powerplant. I have a Rover diesel and MGTT 190 with a KV6. Both cars are characterful and different. Plus driving them is always an occasion.

[@CarSoul]

It’s hard to find a car that feels this good for quite so little money, although they seem to be creeping up slightly now

[@skimmingstonedrone]

What Rover 75 has a Honda engine? The diesel is a BMW unit and the 1.8 K-series and KV6 2.5 V6 are both Rover units, can't think of any other units except the 4.8 V8 Ford unit.

[@CarSoul]

Yes that was a big oopsie. Reverberating knowledge from my days obsessing over the 400 series. I didn’t mention the 4.8 because I’ve never been near one. If I got one I’d probably just have to make a short film of me regularly changing my pants.

[@chriskappert1365]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Greetings from Holland .

[@CarSoul]

YES!! Hello Holland 🇳🇱 👋

[@devilmahon666]

There wasn’t any Honda engines fitted to the Rover 75

[@CarSoul]

No, that was a very big Tony error... ashamed is an understatement 😶‍🌫

[@devilmahon666]

@@CarSoul there an amazing car. I have one of the first ones built that was used at the London Bridge Launch event on 19/6/99, you can find the launch on KZbin. It’s a T Reg 75 2.5 V6 Auto Conniseur SE in old English white. As it was used at the Launch it had every possible option box ticked when it was ordered.

[@erkan0869]

Hellow, you seems yo know one or two things about Rover 75 2005 1,8t engines petrol. I am thinking to buy that but i dont know if that engine is bad one or not, with automatic gearbox. I know rover had big head gasket problems but did they fix that or these 2005 rover also have same problems?

[@devilmahon666]

@@erkan0869 hi there. Unfortunately the 1.8 k series does still have the age old head gasket issues. However it’s normally caused by poor maintenance and not ensuring the coolant levels are kept topped up and not being changed every couple of years. The coolant capacity is quite small compared to some cars so if any leaks are not caught quickly enough and coolant Levels fall low overheating can occur causing head gasket failure. However once a replacement head gasket has been carried out and along as done properly with the better head gaskets available there nothing to say it would ever happen again. Really important to check the service history of any car your looking at. Regular weekly coolant level checks are important to try and identify any leaks from split hoses etc.. before any damage is done. The auto gearboxes are generally very reliable gearboxes just make sure the transmission fluid is replaced every 3 years or so depending on what sort of mileage you are covering. Hope that helps 👍

[@chriswarren2599]

@@erkan0869Jon Coupland Cars on YT has just gone through the whole head gasket issue on his 75 1.8 petrol.

[@frantotti9754]

I believe Rover was deserved to have second chance to live more than MG. Anyway to see video about Alfa Romeo 159 soon on your channel ! I hope so . I like your videos.

[@kevinbartram5302]

Loved my 75. it ate it's swirl flaps and wrecked the engine. because they were just so cheap second hand at the time I bought some thing else. The heater only worked on one side, that was a bit of a mystery.

[@CarSoul]

It wouldn’t be a Rover if the whole thing worked 😂

[@Ro32da72]

The BMW M47R engine fitted to the 75 diesels didn't have intake manifold swirl flaps like the M47 engines in BMW's of the same era - thankfully.

[@MikeJones-mz5ig]

Well done. Only mistake the Honda reference. Love my mark one.

[@CarSoul]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@lizdarville-middleton8227]

I've had two of these beauties, I currently own a 2003 2.0 diesel auto, bring rover back x😊

[@CarSoul]

Would love to see the Rover marque back!

[@TheKilroy1980]

Have a 75 2.5 litre from 2002 still love it have it sinds 2011

[@CarSoul]

I’ve yet to drive a 2.5, but first chance I get I’ll dive in!

[@Scousewil]

Loved my 75's and ZT's but the 1.8 is too small for such a heavy car, the KV6 isn't reliable - contrary to the opinions of many lucky enthusiast owners, there are plenty of well maintained examples riddled with problems including multiple head skims and gasket changes. The BMW engine is the best bet - auto preferably. It's not a British unit like the K Series but it's very reliable. Unfortunately, given the emergence of clean air zones all over the country and a general hysteria around diesel, it isn't a future proof proposition unless you're happy to pay a fee every time you want to go into a city center.

[@CarSoul]

Diesels are fast becoming a victim of cancel culture. And all because they kill a load of people with their supreme emissions. I know reducing the life span of pedestrians is bad but it just seems like no one is thinking of the torque. But on a serious note I think you’re right, enthusiast owners have a very forgiving attitude to problems. But when a car looks this good, you can’t really blame them

[@roverenderalligator9104]

I don't know why people say the 1.8 is too small. It isn't at all, it's just those peoples expectations are too large. It cruises at illegal speeds comfortably, gets away from the lights smartly enough, is more frugal than the V6 & much more economical to maintain. My daily is just approaching 187,000 miles & has been very reliable over the past eight years of my ownership. A couple of clutches due to the slave cylinder & it's just had a recon head but that's alright for the 90,000 miles l've done in her. I've nothing against the V6 but l read up on them first & decided the 1.8 was much more suited to being a daily car. And you couldn't pay me to run a Rover with a tractor engine, especially a BMW tractor engine. 😂

[@Scousewil]

Have you driven all three (The 1.8, KV6, and tractor engine) ??

[@roverenderalligator9104]

@@Scousewil l had a quick drive of a V6, just round a car park & it it felt nice enough. I haven't driven a diesel but no need as l don't like diesel cars (l couldn't live with that rattly old racket on start-up, after all it's a Rover). I get my oil-burner fix from the artic's l drive for a living & l have my P5B & P6B for my 'V' fix. I wouldn't mind a go in a 1.8T but l'm under the impression the turbo can make the engine a bit fragile so the N/A car makes a very good daily.

[@Scousewil]

@@roverenderalligator9104 I thought the BMW engine was fantastic but romanticised myself into the KV6 - it being British built and assembled by hand ... I ended up regretting it to be honest. Bought her with 100k on and added another 60k without any issues whatsoever. I had the 160 remap and was getting over 50mpg too. Same as you with the 1.8 I only had a quick spin in one - interesting what you say about it. I was interested in dropping an MG6 into one but wound up with a Toyota space bus in the end lol got fed up working out boot space with my kids. I really miss my Rovers and MGs tho

[@marryyano1]

Nice looking car, reliable and quality materials,i love it!

[@35geordielad]

I had two Rover 75 both diesels and both were fantastic cars although with some issues that were easily resolved with the nohow

[@CarSoul]

The BMW engines can be more expensive to work on so know how is definitely a bonus!

[@brianredmond4919]

On my second one - best car we ever owned by far.

[@CarSoul]

Already wanting a second one here 🔥

[@petersmith7126]

The Rover 75 or its MG stablemate makes a good buy today as any earlier build or reliability issues have all been fixed

[@CarSoul]

We maintain it’s still of the best saloons you can buy

[@courtneyhoare]

Omg nice Versace shoes

[@CarSoul]

All the better to accelerate with

[@freiduumforall8843]

Bought a pristine 2002 Rover 75 Connoisseur SE here in Australia….and at 22 years old I was convinced it was untapped modern classic….judging by the attention and interest it gets at car meets (disappointingly very little), it tells me it will never be classic at least not in this country…..that’s why they are so cheap and affordable, nobody wants them. Time to ditch it and get something like a Jaguar that people still recognise and a brand that still has street cred.

[@aonone439]

The rover 75 was one of the best British cars we built for years , it was criminal the way it abruptly ended it had a couple of faults but so did most cars , it was a real classic then and now

[@CarSoul]

We live for this kind of rover love 💕

[@aonone439]

@@CarSoul Lol 😁

[@msmoppett]

Get the BMW diesel remapped to 160bhp, it will transform the car to what it was designed to do originally. In auto mode some have done 300-400K miles. In fact more grunt than the KV6 2.5 and I own both. And give credit to the really excellent R75 and MGZT Owners Club which offers endless excellent help. I've never been stuck for spare parts. Mk1 Pre Facelift much more desirable in my view.

[@CarSoul]

The debate between pre and post facelift will silence many and English dinner table.

[@tonisukles858]

Gorgeous film!

[@CarSoul]

Thanks, glad you liked it

[@courtneyhoare]

Beautiful scenes

[@CarSoul]

Thank you Hoare xx

[@CarSoul]

All the better to mise-en-scene with

[@GWLAD]

I had a silver One 2.0 V6 Club beautiful car X254YRF

[@CarSoul]

They are just gorgeous!

[@Jirozi]

I'm considering buying one of these but i'm not sure about the maintenance costs compared to my cheap ford fiesta from 2010 which barely needs any at all and if it does the parts are pretty inexpensive. Can anybody give me any more insight into this?

[@CarSoul]

Maintenance can get costly on the BMW engines, if K-series are looked after then they are pretty reliable and because they’re such common engines, work on them is typically inexpensive.

[@vanjaustipak4223]

Are the parts expensive ? Is it hard to find them?

[@msmoppett]

@@CarSoul No. The BMW diesel runs for ever - chains not belts. Get it re mapped to theoretical 160bhp transforms the car.

[@msmoppett]

@@vanjaustipak4223 join the excellent Rover 75 & ZT club.

[@vanjaustipak4223]

@@msmoppett bought a golf 4 cabrio instead lol

[@tomdrives]

NO! don't buy it ;) jokes aside what a fantastic video!

[@CarSoul]

It’s a twenty year old Rover, no one will blame you for screaming no! Thanks, we were very pleased with this one ☝️☺️

[@drewapicture6012]

Haha.... @Tom, mate your a legend, I'm part of the youthful tribe of rover 75 enthusiastics and your 75 vids, are awesome too mate... Funny I noticed you redeemed yours, as well recently... From the horror, of a shot serpentine belt... Good work! Keeping gold on the road! I should send you guys a picture of the silver fox, I have gorgeous mk 2 connoisseur se cdti so much more of a car, then the modern bore offs lol the looks it still achieve's! Rover redemption

[@Simon-ui6db]

Owned 3 , driven 6, scrapped my last mk1 connie se cdti auto in october 2022, replaced by a vectra SRI. (and oh how I miss the 75). No honda engines in the 75 what soever.

[@CarSoul]

I'm almost certain Honda Engines have been in a car somewhere at some point.

[@owensteele1645]

@@CarSoul The two forerunners to the 75 were the last-ever Rovers to get Honda engines. 2.7 V6 in the 800 Series prior to 1996, and the entire line-up of the Accord-based 600 Series bar the 620ti and diesels.

[@owensteele1645]

Of course, the KV6 was still an amazing engine that suited the 75 very well. You don't even hear it from inside, and actually not bad on fuel. They just needed more frequent servicing to keep them sweet.

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

Underrated

[@CarSoul]

We certainly think so

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

@@CarSoul channel is underrated Car of course aswell

[@CarSoul]

@@isaacsrandomvideos667 ☺️

[@mrlover4310]

And yet again I forgot to get add the reliable engines in the 75 was the Honda and the BMW again not British.

[@CarSoul]

Yep, a shock to all of us but the reliable engine later were in fact British kv6 units, not Honda blocks!

[@matthewrowe9903]

MGZT 1.8 120 owner 2 years love it still

[@CarSoul]

I’ve still yet to really experience the zt, for a long time I preferred the more modern dark interiors, but I think the old fashioned 75 might have won me over as I sailed past the age of thirty 😂

[@gerryharding6426]

Sadness just sum's up this country But a great car and thank you for the video.

[@CarSoul]

Thank you very much. If you ever feel too sad just read the comments on this film and see just how many people still love what we can do when we’re given the chance!

[@barthomer1000]

Love them had 6 but so many problems 2.5 V6 overheating problems ending up on the Scrap lorry. Sunroof drain channel came of under drivers side interior flooded carpet drenched 3 days to dry outside in the sun. Rear lights let water in. Cam belts on V6 2.5 £500 £700 to replace. Chassis corrosion brake pipes corroded. Alternator on diesel model nightmare to change. Thinking of buying another but when I check the MOT history on nearly all models it puts me of. Best thing so comfortable.

[@CarSoul]

The alternator needed replacing on this one, beside the ridiculous price tag for an alternator change, three mechanics flat out refused to attempt it! They seem like one of those cars that require quite a lot of regular love.

[@brianwyles]

The most common failure on the alternator is simply the brushes wearing out. Costs around a fiver for brushes and can be done with alternator in situ. It is worth checking brushes first if not charging.

[@richardhewer335]

Yes. Get a good one, look after it.

[@CarSoul]

Spend, and spend wisely!

[@courtneyhoare]

James may who?

[@CarSoul]

All the better to play guess who with

[@lewis72]

How do you decide what is Britain's last car ? Jaguar Landrover is a British company, albeit owned by Tata, India. Their products are mostly made in the UK and are all designed & developed in the UK.

[@CarSoul]

By that logic are Nissan quashqais not equally British?

[@MrSparklespring]

The facelift was hideous and due to cutting costs the later models had a cheaper interior (more plastics) than the 99 to 01 model. The 'original' one was a very stylish car though.

[@CarSoul]

Definitely agree with the cost cutting issue. I always used to dislike the face lift too, but it grew on me as I got older, but I completely understand those that love the classic originals.

[@paulmoran3482]

2005 mgztcdti 👌

[@CarSoul]

Enough said 😎

[@leonardgoldberg2879]

Underbody rust issues, complicated suspension set up, difficult to work on. Stay clear.

[@CarSoul]

If you gloss over mindless admiration and focus on reality… that’s probably a good shout 🤣🤣

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

Yes I can hear you Clem Fandango !

[@CarSoul]

🤩🤩 Usually I get Jesus, but I’ll take Clem Fandango any day of the week 😍

[@bubaba8938]

Who's engine is 2.0 petrol?

[@CarSoul]

It’s definitely Rovers but the more people that pretends it’s Hondas the less stupid I look.

[@chriswarren2599]

If the 75 had a Honda engine, Rover would still probably be going now.

[@CarSoul]

Painfully true

[@bohemicus8280]

I read their technology was based on that of Honda... but I wouldnt buy one in 1000 years. I am afraid of poor reliability.

[@CarSoul]

You do have to be a certain level of brave to get into this life

[@stevemills9982]

I had a 1.8. Great car. Very sad

[@CarSoul]

A trusty k series, great if you look after them!

[@user-nm6lm7mt3s]

Привет, спасибо за обзор, ровер. 75 очень крутая машина уже ежу 19 лет❤

[@CarSoul]

Keep it going!

[@acid3129]

I have a rover 45 1.6gsi got it for £300 im slowly repairing all the problems

[@CarSoul]

I once picked up a diesel 45 for 200 pounds, my most favourite car to this day

[@markfraser4745]

It's not a Honda V6. It's Rovers own Kv6 engine.

[@CarSoul]

And a marvellous one it is

[@MC-bu6ez]

A classic example of a country devoid of pride and self respect, can you imagine the French selling Citroen, not a chance, what other country spends 100 billion on a rail system, then cancels the whole thing and is left with the world's most expensive set of rail track, a national disgrace, enough said.

[@CarSoul]

There is a sense of sadness in Rovers demise, but the 75 and it’s dedicated grass roots supporters make you realise how much pride we have. Perhaps the higher ups in the country will learn that from the 75 owners!

[@ash7990]

It’s a Rover v6 engine

[@CarSoul]

We live, we learn, we still love rovers 🥰

[@alexibrowable]

How is this Britain's last car??

[@CarSoul]

Exactly how we said in the film

[@boywarrick]

Decent video but with much mis-information. Honda V6??? It's a Rover KV6 engine. That's almost as bad as the idiots that say the Rover 220 Coupe Turbo used a Honda engine. Just like the M47 diesel engine was originally designed by Rover and then taken by BMW to use in their own cars. Let's not get started on the Mini...

[@CarSoul]

Rover and Honda shared an awful lot for many years, so it’s easy to see how people (even us) think they’re more engrained behind the Viking ship. That said it has been great to learn just how much original British engineering was going into rovers by the time the 75 came around! Thanks for watching

[@n1nj4hun]

Diesel is the best choice if you want a Rover.

[@CarSoul]

The petrol engines can be great, but the diesels are brilliant all rounders

[@olibob295]

MG TF's were produced way later, stop spouting rubbish about this being Britain's last mass produced car. Also the 75 was never seen as a flop so no need for the ''so bad it killed rover''.... Just clickbait that's all.

[@CarSoul]

And you clicked.

[@olibob295]

@@CarSoul I clicked to let you know how wrong you were

[@rovercoupe7104]

I’m selling mine after 7 years and lots of miles. M.

[@CarSoul]

But did you love every second?

[@rovercoupe7104]

@@CarSoul Thank you for your valued reply. I have loved it for most of the time, except for the rear suspension collapsing on the M602. That was the fault of the garage. I had taken it into a local garage because of of a strange noise coming from the rear. The garage thought it was from the arch liner. The suspension collapsed two days later.

[@kevinbartram5302]

There is no B.M.W or Honda engine in a 75.

[@CarSoul]

Now the BMW engine is one we can actually stand by 🥳

[@adamwort7160]

The V8 is worth having The others are front wheel drive 👎

[@CarSoul]

Nothing beats some powered rear wheels!

[@djdublo]

No honda engines here.

[@CarSoul]

No, just a presenter with a tail between his legs

[@KarlHamilton]

Project Drive ruined these. Urgh.

[@CarSoul]

Project drive? Enlighten me!

[@KarlHamilton]

@@CarSoul It's probably better if you Google it mate, but essentially instead of making the cars even better and more desirable, they started penny pinching and making the cars cheaper. It was absolutely the worst possible thing they could've done. They did it to the 25 too. There's a full list online somewhere of everything they did. Urgh.