Rover 75 (or MG ZT) - advice sought for newbie (looking to buy)
 

Hi

My story is that back in 2007 I looked at buying an MGZT and test drove one (more later on why I did not go ahead) but eventually ended up with a Mercedes CLK. Now for the past 2 years I have driven a BMW 420i Gran Coupe - which I am looking to replace, and I like the look of the MGZT or Rover 75.

What I want is:
- a very smooth comfortable ride (the BMW is just ok-ish) - by all accounts, the Rover 75/MGZT give a high quality smooth and quiet ride
- large boot for golf clubs and trolley
- reasonable service/maintenance
- electric seat adjustment (BMW does not have)
- petrol/automatic

(I only do a few '000 miles a year).

Now my questions are:

1. Given all this, I see Rover 75 Connoiseur (2.5 V6) or MG ZT as most suitable for my needs - any views on this? I see on Autotrader they can be from £2-£5k with reasonable mileage, good condition.

2. This big one: in my MG ZT test drive I was put off by the pedal configuration - specifically the accelerator pedal. I did post on this forum about it back in 2007, and seem to recall it was just one of those things (I think the brake and accelerator pedals were just too close together??). Is this the same on the Rover 75? Any view on this?

3. What is the best option for Sat Nav for my occasional longer trips?

Many thanks, D.

You'll get the most comfy ride from a 75 rather than a ZT, which has a stiffer suspension. The 75 is cream on wheels. As to the optimal engine, well the petrol engines are quieter than the diesel for sure. There will follow lots of recommendations on the engine, but for the best balance of power and running/maintenance costs, you can't beat the 1.8 Turbo (in my opinion of course).


TC

I'm near you and am on the final stages of renovating a zero rust, 70,000 miles Connie Tourer v6 2.0 Automatic with all the toys. Drop me a PM if you want me to keep you informed.

I've had both, a Mk1 75 and my current Mk2 ZT.
My advice would be for you to drive both if you can, as I found that you'll get people who say a ZT is just a dechromed 75 and they're the same car - usually people who've never driven either.
For me, the difference is like night and day, and I prefer the ZT.
It's purely personal preference though, but like I said, try to get a drive in one of each.

I have a couple of each - they are very different, mostly due to the suspension set up, but also the seats. The Rover ones are thicker and softer unless it is a "Contemporary" which has leather sports seats which are a halfway house. Which I choose to drive is down to the mood I am in and the type of journey. Somehow it seems more appropriate to press on with the ZT.

Btw, all mine are automatics (through choice), so I cannot comment on any differences in the manual versions.

I have had three 75's and my current ZT. They are not the same car, despite what some say. The ride of the ZT is much harsher, but the handling much better. If you're after comfort, which it sounds like you are, but a ZT feel, I would suggest a Contemporary. I had one and it felt like a hybrid of both cars. It was truly wonderful, and I only sold it so I could have my late brother's ZT. The Conte has all the toys, the comfort, but the seats and "look" give you a moderner sporty feel. I had the 2.5 auto and it would do about 33mpg on a run. I don't think you will resolve your pedal issue, though. They are the same on them all. Good luck!

There's a nice one here if you don't mind a quick fix.

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=295584

Many thanks for all your interesting and varied responses - much appreciated!

As I have been told - got to test drive some to find out.....

Don't overlook the tyres David! My 75 has unfashionable 65 profile tyres on 15 inch wheels, but everyone who travels in my car says how comfortable it is.
Bigger wheels and low profile tyres are what most people want but give a harder ride.

Simon

Yes that is a good point. In car reviews the Clarkson wannabe will often say how the standard wheels on a car are like tiny casters and look so much better with 19"ers....but the payoff as you say, is the hard ride.