Opinion rover 75 (04)auto 2.5 petrol

[GRANDAD LES]

Hi Guys, I have no wish to part with my Rover Tourer (05) auto/diesel. I am about to look at a Rover 75(04) saloon - auto 2.5 petrol, can members offer any advise or comments about this model - 90,000mls?

[SD1too]

Is this going to be an additional car in the household then Les?

Simon

[GRANDAD LES]

No, but it is in such good nick thought I would take a look. I love my M47 engine but what about the 2.5, I suppose the problems start with cam belts, head gasket and economy? Sadly I just love the 75's, but the best thing of all is the members club - for a tenner a year it's fab!

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by GRANDAD LES

I love my M47 engine but what about the 2.5, I suppose the problems start with cam belts, head gasket and economy?

Yes, cam belt replacement is expensive. Head gaskets are only troublesome on the 1.8, not the KV6. You will have to get used to 25 - 30 mpg approximately, depending upon driving conditions.

On the other hand it's a beautifully smooth and flexible engine, the heater will actually keep you warm in the winter, plus unleaded is cheaper than diesel and it's better for the environment.

So there you go, pros and cons, as with everything in life.

Simon

[marinabrian]

My opinion on this won't be too popular I suspect..........if you are paying someone to do the repairs, then one R40 is a good idea, two however are a folly.

It is better to have one cherished example, than two tidy cars, and the V6 will lave you feeling underwhelmed power wise after driving a diesel.

Although it is smooth enough, the engine lacks grunt in spades.......if opting for a petrol variant, I would choose an 1800 turbo over the V6 every single time.

Brian

[Dawn]

I agree and also disagree with Brian lol. I don't like the diesel. Its ok but I find the V6 so much smoother and a nicer sound I dont care about economy or grunt. On the other hand I know from experience 2 are hard to keep nice unless you have a lot of dosh. One car and I have been able to spoil it. ☺

[buchanan]

I had my Diesel chipped by evolution chips to 165 bhp, drives like a dream, effortless over taking on the motor way, never driven a V6, but I am very happy with the diesel.

[Number 6]

Having driven a Diesel for over 14 years and latterly with the 160 re-map (courtesy of Phil T4) I recently drove a kv6 and found it totally underwhelming and could not get used to the amount of revs required to get any sort of performance out of it. Also the fuel consumption was horrendous (In comparison)

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Number 6

... I recently drove a kv6 and .... could not get used to the amount of revs required to get any sort of performance out of it. Also the fuel consumption was horrendous ...

Diesels are renowned for producing large amounts of torque at low rpm and their low fuel consumption. No petrol engine can compete on those terms, so we must not give the impression that we are singling out the KV6 as deficient in some way.

But that isn't the whole story. You don't get something for nothing and where diesel engines are inferior to petrol engines are in their emissions, their noise and vibration (although this has improved in recent years) and their limited power band, not forgetting the poor heater performance.

As I said earlier, there are pros and cons with both, it's just a matter of personal taste.

Simon

[Lord of Hog]

We're talking Rover 75s here, not Scooby WRX's so any references to power, acceleration and handling need to be kept in context.

I've never liked diesels and always had a thing for V6s so my pocket-money Cowley 2.5 was a natural choice. Sounds lovely (and will be better once I can find a decent rear box), reasonably easy to work on once you learn its weak points (cooling system, cooling system and … erm … cooling system) and for a 1600Kg lump it's reasonably sprightly if you ride the rev band right.