Description
2003 Rover 45 TD
Welcome to the very reluctant sale of our ultra reliable and daily driven Rover 45. In our ownership, over the last 13 years, my wife and I have driven this car over 100k miles. We have some fantastic memories with the car but unfortunately with a growing family and other modern classics in the collection, she needs to move to her next home and I need to buy something dull with isofix seat mountings for daily duties.
Absolutely FULL service history, all documented. For example, the belts have been changed 3 times in our ownership. With the last change only just over a year ago. The oil and filter have been done within the last few hundred miles and all fluids such as power steering fluid, gearbox oil, coolant, brake fluid have been regularly changed.
She has MOT until January 2026.
Lovely condition inside and out, I have literally hundreds of photos from over the years which I can share.
Aside from the comprehensive service history, there are various tasteful upgrades which I feel make this example stand out from the usual Rover 45:
- MG ZS front lip spoiler and side skirts in the correct colour
- Stainless MG ZS lower grill mesh
- GAZ GHA coilovers (correct fitment not cheap eBay Civic items). Been on 10 years so probably due a service but still feel good to me.
- The usual diesel mods to achieve circa 155bhp (SDI injectors, pipercross panel filter in the stock housing, conservative remap, boost limited to 19psi- have never ran more than this- discreet boost gauge mounted in the glovebox)
- MG ZS 180 front calipers and discs (282mm vented)
- Gunsmoke Alcantara seats from an MG ZS. These have been upgraded to be heated and have the rear map pockets (the things us Rover enthusiasts get excited about)
- ZS gear knob
- ZS 180 leather steering wheel
- Unique colour combo on the dashboard (sandstone lower dash with puma black center console and arm rest, this was never offered from factory but really works well)
- Genuine copper leaf Rover mats.
- Heko wind deflectors, easily removed if not to taste
- Free flowing exhaust
- Chrome mirror caps
We all know that the 45/ ZS suffer with underside corrosion. This one has had a few minor repairs but has always been painted and protected underneath. As with any Rover of this age, this will of course need keeping on top of especially if being used through winter.
Mechanically, she's good, the engine is a peach and has been ultra reliable bar a head refresh last year with new valves, valve stem oil seals and all new gaskets/ bolts.
Bodywork is very good and importantly rust free. Say what you will about MG Rover but they knew how to paint a car, the iconic British Racing Green is stunning. I'd never describe any 22 year old car with original paint as being mint but it really is very good, particularly when compared to the usual standard of Rover 45/ ZS these days.
AC has been deleted but has a working non rusty and non leaking sunroof with slide/ tilt functions. Heater pad in drivers seat has packed in- brand new spare included.
Choice of wheels available
- Hairpins in good condition with Uniroyal rain sport 5 tyres all around.
- 18" BBS style "split rims", absolutely mint with excellent tyres (extra £450 if bought with the car). Never used in winter and done very little work.
There are a few fun bits of paraphernalia for the car
- a seller on eBay sells t-shirts modelled on this car
- it won "car of the show" at Pride of Longbridge about 3 years ago. Just an unofficial bit of fun organised by Robson Rover Repair but very flattering non the less.
Very difficult decision to sell so please no offers. Ideally I would like it to go to another enthusiast who will safeguard her future. Getting hard to find in this condition now.
Any questions, please do ask.
