2005 Rover 75: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Rover 75?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Rover 75 than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm4.2× usual
  Rover 75

  14.2% All 2005 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.7× usual
  Rover 75

  9.3% All 2005 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Link ball joint covers1.9× usual
  Rover 75

  5.5% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Side repeaters2.1× usual
  Rover 75

  3.5% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2005 Rover 75 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Rover 75 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  38% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Rover 75

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2005 Rover 75 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2005 Rover 75 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2005 Rover 75 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?