1994 Rover - Austin 600 Reviews - Page 2 of 3

The brake lights have needed replacing on a few occasions.

The exhaust fell off and obviously needed to be replaced.

The electric aerial never really worked so I bought a new one.

The central locking is currently broken and it needs to be fixed. Strangely this has resulted in my car doors unlocking themselves on occasion. I checked this with my dealer and they confirmed this as a problem with a micro chip on the drivers door.

On the positive side the car is extremely comfortable. The leather seats are great, and the electrics have been very reliable.

I know I will never have a problem overtaking with this car as the acceleration is excellent.

Anyone that has travelled with me in the car has been impressed with it's interior comfort and smooth road handling.

ABS failed within a few weeks of getting the car. Very expensive to replace (approx.$4000 Singaporean). I didn't have it replaced.

Left front headlight failed every few months (I used to carry a few spares with me).

Brake problems. Leaking radiator hoses. Oil leaks.

Although I didn't want this car originally, my company had several Rovers (620s and 820s) and I was strongly advised to get one as my company car. I must say that I'm glad they did. A very reliable and comfortable car.

The car was very good for driving around Singapore although I took some time to get used to the large turning circle (this was my first front wheel drive car). Acceleration was a bit average. First gear was geared too high and the engine struggled until the revs came up.

On long trips to Kuala Lumpur it was excellent. Effortless highway cruising. On one occasion when I let it rip, it passed 190kmh.

The brake problems, oil and radiator leaks mentioned above were due to completely inept service personnel. On three occasions, after being serviced at the Authorised Rover Dealer, the car had to be taken to an independent service agent to have fixed properly. The Dealer would usually suggest that parts such as C.V. joints, water pump, alternator, battery, starter motor etc. needed replacing each time the car was taken in for service. I had none of these replaced and the car still ran perfectly for 4 years.

Engine blew at 110k miles, this cost me £1300 to have the engine re-built, and three attempts by the garage to fix it. Beware the cost of re-building these engines; piston rings cost £350 per set, gaskets cost another £300, crankshaft re-grind cost another £300. If this happens try to find another engine. In total the car was off the road for nine months and the engine has never been quite the same since.

Other than the engine problem, I have had no other faults with the car.

Tyres are expensive. When I bought the car it had Pirelli's but I changed them for Goodyear F1s. The Goodyear F1s are £145 each but well worth it (especially as I knew someone at Goodyear and got a 45% discount!). On the Goodyear F1s the car handled beautifully (and the tread pattern is so sexy). When they wore out I changed to Bridgestones, which are a good all-round tyre and handles well in all conditions, but it just is not the same as with the Goodyear F1s.

The Rover 620 Ti will upset people with shiny new sports cars, which I do on a regular basis. I just love to see the look of horror on their faces as I pull away from them.

Overtaking is not a problem, and it loves motorways.