Remember ordering these for the office in the eighties and they never really hit the spot with me.
Then the Rover bankruptcy and lots of bad publicity.
But seeing one today in a lovely dark blue driven by a retired gentleman I'm wondering whether I would like one
It must be a diesel because of the bad reputation of both the petrols.

But I should like your views please .

First off, including the very rare V8 (Rover badged version of the MG ZT V8), there were 5 petrol options on the 75 (not necessarily at the same time though).

N/A 1.8, 118bhp (I think this was auto only, but not sure)

1.8t, 150bhp

2.0 V6, 150bhp

2.5 V6, 177bhp

4.6 V8, 260bhp

As for reliability, depends on who you ask. Looking at a question posed (some years ago granted) on a 75/ZT forum from someone who, after buying a KV6 engined 75, was told that they are prone to water pump and head gasket failures. According to the answers from forum members, there are two weak points on the KV6. The VIS (variable intake manifold system) motor failure (not expensive to fix), and the thermostat housing. Apparently belt replacement is a big job, but apart from that, according to chaps who should know, they are fine reliability wise. More than one forum member stated categorically that the KV6 is not prone to water pump or head gasket failure!.

But I really like them too!.

Old roverboy had a few 75's and a couple of ZT's

Best were the 2.5 v6

I know where there is a nearly "new" (as in not much used) 20.000 mile auto 2004 pre facelift car that has been serviced regardless of cost since new, and it is (swear filter) beautiful!

It'll be mine one day...

That beautiful deep blue metallic with impeccable painwork and drives like the ones I had.

Must go and negotiate again.

I remember them - I thought the 75 referred to the average age of owners, although I was invited to sample one at the local Rover dealer. I was particularly struck by the styling feature of what appeared to be a large lidded Chinese wok on the rear of the boot lid containing the number plate, a peculiarity which continues on the back of a Rolls Royce Wraith. Must be an English thing.....?

Thanks everyone.

Remember ordering these for the office and commissioning Rover to build a stretched version after complaints from officials who were chauffeured about lack of legroom.

Then had one delivered to Singapore which our office was unable to register as it had been sent out without a VIN plate.

Remember driving the CDI and noticing a lack of power compared with my A 4 Tdi 130 but they certainly are more comfortable.

As commented they are old cars now and getting a well maintained one is a big problem.

Let us know how you get on ORB !

The engine is the heart of the car and I wouldn't touch even a repaired K series engine with a bargepole. The wandering head gasket was only one aspect of the poor design of this national embarrassment of an engine.

Agree with you John F.

I went to the local launch of the 75 in 1999 (ran by Kerridges of Needham Market for ORB's interest).

I drove all the petrol engined versions. The 1.8 was horrible, under geared, slow and noisy.

The 2.0 V6 was the one I was interested in, smooth as silk and powerful enough, but economy was hopeless, a gentle trip to the coast on A and B roads gave me 30.1 MPG.

The 2.5 was fairly brisk although low down torque was poor, economy worse still.

Some years later I had a new post facelift diesel 130, which was pleasant enough.

I'm not sure I'd want to buy an old one though.