Advice wanted - please

justmicky · 16th June 2009, 18:27

Hi all,

My mate is looking to buy a car for towing (caravan) and he has shown me this advert:

http://www.preesall-garage.co.uk/17348/carstock.htm

(Page 3 item 22)

2004 53 plate R75 1.8 Connoisseur SE, 75000 miles - silver. Anyone got any opinions as to whether it is suitable or not, £3995 a good price or not (should he haggle that down)?
1.8 engine up to the job or could he really do with something a little bigger?
Does a 53 plate 1.8 petrol engine come with the new type head gasket fitted? Or could he have the dreaded HGF syndrome.

Thanks for any pointers

JohnDotCom · 16th June 2009, 18:55

Really think for towing a Caravan, a Diesel with all that extra Torque would be a far better choice than the 1.8 engine.
Only a personal point of view.

No 1.8's were ever fitted with the new Head Gasket as Standard,
they didn't come out till after MGR had ceased production.

dustybin · 16th June 2009, 18:57

the 75 is a heavy car to start with, depends what weight of caravan he pulls, how many people in the car when he pulls it,it all adds up,but go for something bigger engined or better towing car and lighter,my old turbo never liked pulling my caravan but the saab has no problem my wife forgets she is towing it sometimes..but at the end of the day it´s always personal choice ....

StevenWilliams · 16th June 2009, 18:58

Diesel or Petrol 2.5 V6 if you have the money for the fuel.

A 1.8 is a little underpowered for the 75 so I'd hate to tow with it and they get hot enough just driving the car around I think adding the weight of a caravan is asking for trouble.

James.uk · 16th June 2009, 21:19

I don't think a 1.8 petrol engine is suitable for towing. Either go for the CDT or---

Get a Citroen Xantia with self leveling and the turbo diesel in it. perfect car for towing..

..

StevenWilliams · 16th June 2009, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by James.uk

I don't think a 1.8 petrol engine is suitable for towing. Either go for the CDT or---

Get a Citroen Xantia with self leveling and the turbo diesel in it. perfect car for towing..

..

Who the heck is SHE?

Also looking at the website for the garage in question I seriously doubt if a 2004 MG ZT 120 is worth £5k in the current market. I've seen them go as low as £3k for the 1.8

derekosb · 16th June 2009, 22:46

Hi Mick

Thought I would try the obvious route.

From the Owner's Manual: Towing Weights

Technical Data

TOWING WEIGHT

Max trailer weight (unbraked):
All models 750 kg (1654 lb)

Max trailer weight (braked):

1.8 petrol models:
Manual transmission 1200 kg (2646 lb)
Automatic transmission 1400 kg (3087 lb)

2.0 petrol models
Manual transmission 1450 kg (3197 lb)
Automatic transmission 1600 kg (3528 lb)

2.5 petrol models
(manual & automatic) 1600 kg (3528 lb)

2.0 diesel models
(manual) 1600 kg (3528 lb)

Max nose weight † (Tow hitch downward load) 100 kg (221 lb)
Maximum tow hitch overhang 1157 mm (45.6 in)

Gross train weight (maximum weight of vehicle plus trailer):

1.8 petrol models
Manual transmission 3140 kg (6923 lb)
Automatic transmission 3340 kg (7365 lb)

2.0 petrol models
Manual transmission 3450 kg (7606 lb)
Automatic transmission 3600 kg (7938 lb)

2.5 petrol models
(manual & automatic) 3600 kg (7938 lb)

2.0 diesel models
Mmanual transmission 3630 kg (8003 lb)

Max roof rack load 80 kg (176 lb)

† To increase stability, it is recommended that you adjust the nose weight to the maximum limit, when loading to the maximum trailer weight.

Note: When towing, the maximum gross vehicle weight can be increased by up to 100 kg (221 lbs), provided road speed is limited to a maximum of 62 mph (100 km/h).

Hope this helps.

Derek

moonstoneboy · 17th June 2009, 07:37

Plus, if you go for the diesel and it is a heavy van get the CDTi version - you might find the CDT a little under powered.

Paul

justmicky · 17th June 2009, 08:07

Thanks guys for the info, will let my mate know.

Cheers

scgfull · 17th June 2009, 08:59

A word of caution regarding manufacturers maximum permitted trailer weight. These are maximum weights that the car can tow in a given circumstance.

Most organisations have a maximum towing ratio of 85% of the towing vehicles weight to give a stable towing combination.

Obviously the greater maximum permitted towing weight given by the manufacturer, the easier it is for the car to manage towing.

I hope that makes sense!

16th June 2009, 18:27	#1
justmicky I really should get out more....... Rover 75 Saloon 1.8 Club SE Join Date: May 2008 Location: north west Posts: 2,160 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Advice wanted - please Hi all, My mate is looking to buy a car for towing (caravan) and he has shown me this advert: http://www.preesall-garage.co.uk/17348/carstock.htm (Page 3 item 22) 2004 53 plate R75 1.8 Connoisseur SE, 75000 miles - silver. Anyone got any opinions as to whether it is suitable or not, £3995 a good price or not (should he haggle that down)? 1.8 engine up to the job or could he really do with something a little bigger? Does a 53 plate 1.8 petrol engine come with the new type head gasket fitted? Or could he have the dreaded HGF syndrome. Thanks for any pointers

16th June 2009, 18:58	#4
StevenWilliams This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon 2.5 V6 British Racing Green. 81,000 miles and counting Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Crawley, West Sussex Posts: 6,183 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Diesel or Petrol 2.5 V6 if you have the money for the fuel. A 1.8 is a little underpowered for the 75 so I'd hate to tow with it and they get hot enough just driving the car around I think adding the weight of a caravan is asking for trouble. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Rover 75 2.5 2000 Club SE. British Racing Green. MEMBER NUMBER: MMMDCCXXVI Looking for: 7 seater

16th June 2009, 22:46	#7
derekosb Occasional interested visitor Kia SOUL EV Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Glasgow Posts: 4,251 Thanks: 35 Thanked 27 Times in 14 Posts	Hi Mick Thought I would try the obvious route. From the Owner's Manual: Towing Weights Technical Data TOWING WEIGHT Max trailer weight (unbraked): All models 750 kg (1654 lb) Max trailer weight (braked): 1.8 petrol models: Manual transmission 1200 kg (2646 lb) Automatic transmission 1400 kg (3087 lb) 2.0 petrol models Manual transmission 1450 kg (3197 lb) Automatic transmission 1600 kg (3528 lb) 2.5 petrol models (manual & automatic) 1600 kg (3528 lb) 2.0 diesel models (manual) 1600 kg (3528 lb) Max nose weight † (Tow hitch downward load) 100 kg (221 lb) Maximum tow hitch overhang 1157 mm (45.6 in) Gross train weight (maximum weight of vehicle plus trailer): 1.8 petrol models Manual transmission 3140 kg (6923 lb) Automatic transmission 3340 kg (7365 lb) 2.0 petrol models Manual transmission 3450 kg (7606 lb) Automatic transmission 3600 kg (7938 lb) 2.5 petrol models (manual & automatic) 3600 kg (7938 lb) 2.0 diesel models Mmanual transmission 3630 kg (8003 lb) Max roof rack load 80 kg (176 lb) † To increase stability, it is recommended that you adjust the nose weight to the maximum limit, when loading to the maximum trailer weight. Note: When towing, the maximum gross vehicle weight can be increased by up to 100 kg (221 lbs), provided road speed is limited to a maximum of 62 mph (100 km/h). Hope this helps. Derek __________________ Vauxhall Ampera Scottish Members Guestmap here. Just click on your location to add a marker.

17th June 2009, 08:59	#10
scgfull Loves to post none Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: resigned - but can't get off Posts: 286 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	A word of caution regarding manufacturers maximum permitted trailer weight. These are maximum weights that the car can tow in a given circumstance. Most organisations have a maximum towing ratio of 85% of the towing vehicles weight to give a stable towing combination. Obviously the greater maximum permitted towing weight given by the manufacturer, the easier it is for the car to manage towing. I hope that makes sense! __________________ Steve Memeber 4069

16th June 2009, 18:55	#2
JohnDotCom * Rover 75 FaceLift Tourer CDTi 170BHP Auto ConnSE 2005 Model Starlight Silver Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Abergele Posts: 28,735 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Really think for towing a Caravan, a Diesel with all that extra Torque would be a far better choice than the 1.8 engine. Only a personal point of view. No 1.8's were ever fitted with the new Head Gasket as Standard, they didn't come out till after MGR had ceased production.

16th June 2009, 18:57	#3
dustybin Avid contributor MG ZT Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Northamptshire Posts: 200 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	the 75 is a heavy car to start with, depends what weight of caravan he pulls, how many people in the car when he pulls it,it all adds up,but go for something bigger engined or better towing car and lighter,my old turbo never liked pulling my caravan but the saab has no problem my wife forgets she is towing it sometimes..but at the end of the day it´s always personal choice ....

16th June 2009, 21:19	#5
James.uk Passed Away 2002 Pale Blue. Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur auto. 170K miles Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Near the M67. Posts: 14,509 Thanks: 199 Thanked 585 Times in 397 Posts	I don't think a 1.8 petrol engine is suitable for towing. Either go for the CDT or--- Get a Citroen Xantia with self leveling and the turbo diesel in it. perfect car for towing.. ..

17th June 2009, 07:37	#8
moonstoneboy Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Connoisseur SE CDT Tourer - naturally in Moonstone Green Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Surrey - near Gatwick Airport Posts: 1,316 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Plus, if you go for the diesel and it is a heavy van get the CDTi version - you might find the CDT a little under powered. Paul

17th June 2009, 08:07	#9
justmicky I really should get out more....... Rover 75 Saloon 1.8 Club SE Join Date: May 2008 Location: north west Posts: 2,160 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks guys for the info, will let my mate know. Cheers