1995 Rover - Austin 600 623 iS 2.3i

Summary:

Still a lot of reliable car for the money

Faults:

Absolutely nothing so far. (touch wood)

General Comments:

In general a great car for the money, especially as this one had a full rover service history. Body and interior were both virtually immaculate even after so many miles. People talk about the good performance of the 2.3 Honda engine and at higher revs and speeds this is perhaps the case, but at the lower end I think it's a bit sluggish even compared with cars with much smaller engines. I must say I do not like the gearbox and clutch. Clutch travel distance from floor to biting point is unnecessarily huge, the gearstick does not move quickly and the gear-knob is uncomfortably shaped and there is a strange clicking noise when changing gear. All this means it's very difficult to change gear quickly which severely compromises being able to pull away quickly. Changing gear becomes almost a chore rather than a pleasure and if that's the case you may as well have an auto! Other than that in most respects it's a great car. Oh steering can be a bit squishy sometimes too. Not really a car for winding country roads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2003

1995 Rover - Austin 600 i 2.0

Summary:

Excellent performance

Faults:

Nothing major, screen washer jets and some fuse.

General Comments:

I bought this car as I had already driven a Rover 623si as a company car for 2 years, during which time I fell in love with 600 series.

The car has everything, looks, power, smooth ride, reliable, almost anything you can expect from it. Plus it's a great bargain too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2001

1995 Rover - Austin 600 Ti 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Probably the best value Q car around

Faults:

Had to replace the gearbox bearings at 80000 miles.

Erratic idling at start-up in damp conditions. Fixed by cleaning the top dead centre sensor and changed the high-tension leads.

Bushes on the gear selector-rod wore out.

General Comments:

A seriously quick car that doesn't attract any attention to itself. A 2nd/3rd gear blast certainly puts a big grin on your face!

Can be easily modified quite cheaply to further increase the power (upto around 240bhp).

Ride is harsh on rough surfaces, but the seats are very supportive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2001

19th Oct 2003, 04:30

I have a TI that has just reached 80k, I too have had the bushes replaced and I think bearings may be needed in the near future... how much did this cost? If anyone knows please feel free to drop me an email corm@f2s.com.

13th Jan 2007, 12:31

What upgrade would you suggest to increase horse power?

1995 Rover - Austin 600 Ti 2.0 turbo

Summary:

A very rewarding car to drive and to own

Faults:

Brake lights - Three new brake light bulbs needed within three months. No major cost (about £2.00), but a bit annoying.

Tyres - Possibly two slow punctures in the front tyres. Once re-inflated have caused no further problems.

Aerial - Motorised aerial will not extend. Problem unknown, and I have been quoted £140 to have it repaired by a main Rover dealer!

Trim - Coin holder to the right of steering column now damaged, due to one of the plastic hinges snapping. This will require a whole new piece of trim being bought and fitted.

General Comments:

Performance - Very powerful during take-off and mid-range.

Seems to take a while to get from 100mph to 140mph.

Prone to getting a bit sketchy when taking-off at maximum acceleration.

Tyres tend to scrabble for grip.

Interior is very supportive, although the leather in my own car shows some wear on the sides of the front seats.

The ride is a bit firm, although this is to be expected on a performance saloon such as this.

Standard equipment is quite acceptable, but is now getting upstaged by more modern cars.

No air conditioning, and the stereo is pretty poor by modern standards - replace immediately!

Very practical car, having four adult sized seats, and enough performance to make any journey fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2001