Rover 75 Saloon (1999 - 2004) 2.0 V6 Club 4d Auto (1999/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

In essence, it says I am an executive with a yen for tradition.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Friends and family who have been in it have been extremely fond of it. They recognised it as a good car from the beginning, and have enjoyed the luxurious ambience - and of course were thankful for the green-tinted, anti-glare glass in some of the brighter days of summer.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Most definitely. I would, however, be a bit more choosy about such matters as engine size and condition, and trim level (I would probably go for a later model 2.5litre V6 Hi-Line Connoisseur with all the trimmings, if I could find one), but if someone offered me another car like mine I would probably snatch their hand off. At the shoulder.

What are you likely to buy next?

Without doubt another Rover 75, although I might also indulge in an Aston Martin V8 Lagonda at some point, too.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£800

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but as time went on it became apparent the car was not exactly worth the money, notwithstanding that the actual model itself is practically faultless.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

British-made, and a brilliant car.

What was the dealer like?

At the time he seemed to be okay but, looking back, he was a crook.

What's it like to drive?

An absolute joy. The smooth engine makes very agreeable sounds, akin to those more closely associated with a Rover V8 engine, under heavy acceleration. With the automatic transmission it can further increase the impression of smoothness, almost to the point that you have to check that it has shifted gear at all; however, some driving styles can cause jerkiness in the downshift. The handling is faultless in all weathers, 'though it is possible to experience a bit of displacement in the back end on rougher surfaces. I am told, also, that the suspension can be something of a weakness with these cars, with tales of expensive strut collapses and the like, but mine is good so far.

What's it like to park?

Parking is fairly straightforward. While the front can sometimes be difficult to fathom, there's good all-round visibility and the power-assisted steering enables anyone to fit into the most awkward of spaces. It may not be the smallest of cars, but even in crowded central London it's a wonderful car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The engine kept over-heating, and although various "experts" said it was a head-gasket fault, it was later found not to be.

What's most practical about your car?

Again, the application of superlatives in the description of this car in isolation is somewhat redundant as it's all very excellent. But compared with other cars I've driven, its supreme comfort, the smoothness of the engine and the ease of driving make for a very beautiful, safe experience. That, to me, makes for practicality because it means you can concentrate on the business of driving without niggles from inside, complaints from passengers and so on.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

As far as I'm aware, the car is in its bog-standard form, and it is a high-enough specification without any accessories. However, if forced at gun-point to choose an option, I would probably have to choose the silky-smooth yet satisfyingly gutsy-under-acceleration engine. One of the best I've ever sampled, despite its thirst for coolant.