19 Feb 08
Prices: From £2000.
Engines: 1.8, 2.0, 2.5 V6 petrol; 2.0 diesel.
Watch out for: Overheating petrol engines; blown head gaskets; failed auto 'boxes, early signs of rust (door sills, door-bottoms), water leaks into ECU, general electrical problems and build defects.
For: Britain's last-chance saloon, nearing national treasure status; retro wood 'n' leather ambience; stately character.
Against: Some parts shortages; patchy service and support infrastructure; not terribly solid; feeling very dated.
Ah, nostalgia: the 75 was the last of the grand Rover saloons, as driven by bank managers, mayors, politicians and solid-citizen types back in the days when one wouldn't have dreamed of buying a foreign-made car. It may have had its flaws, and it certainly wasn't the sportiest, but it was a true Brit (albeit with a bit of help from BMW, which is why it was so much better than the 600 and 800 it replaced).
The 75's cabin verges on gentleman's club pastiche - antique clock-face dials, loads of leather, dark-wood trim - but that's part of its charm, especially in combination with the heritage-reborn Old English White, British Racing Green, duck-egg blue and similar paint finishes. It's like owning a classic car, but with less hassle.
