Faults:

Like other models in the 600 Series, the 620 Si can overheat if the cooling system loses pressure. It happened to me several times, and it is a real headache.

A recurring problem arises if you unlock the Rover using the physical key instead of the remote control. This triggers the factory alarm and cuts off the fuel injection.

Poor electrical connections are common. For instance, regarding dashboard warning lights, it is normal for the check engine light or the SRS (airbag) light to come on sporadically due to issues with the connectors under the seats.

Components such as alternators and wiring exposed to moisture can cause jerking or engine performance issues.

Frequent and persistent oil leaks.

The brakes failed.

General Comments:

The car is attractive, with rounded lines—similar to the Mazda 6, but better-looking for my taste. It has a distinct character that begins with the grille and carries through to the small details that shape the final result.

Driving position is not ideal. To be precise, the driver's seat could be adjusted slightly lower via the electric system, though the other settings (distance and backrest angle) are manual. The steering column is height-adjustable, which, combined with the leather-upholstered seats, allows any driver to find a suitable position.

The front seats feature flat cushions and backrests that lack ergonomic contouring. Placing the electric window controls between the seats is not the best choice; why not locate them next to the electric mirror controls on the door armrest extension?

One might expect a bit more from a car with such stylish design and luxury details. The gauge is easy to read. There is good (reddish) night-time illumination with a dimmer control. It lacks a system check panel, a multi-function computer, and cruise control.

Despite the somewhat raised trunk, rearward visibility is good. The mirrors help, and the headlights are powerful on both high and low beams. It lacks front fog lights, something unusual for a car in its segment and price range (it was somewhat expensive in its day).

The engine is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit with a single overhead camshaft and 16 valves, similar to the one used in the Accord 2.0. Its 131 hp (DIN) really kick in above 4,500 rpm, yet it doesn't struggle when accelerating in higher gears. On paper, the engine might seem undersized for a car the size of the Rover 620, but once you're driving it, the setup makes perfect sense. Overall, it delivers good power and performs well when overtaking.

It’s a good, attractive car, clearly superior to my previous Renault 19, but compared to a mid-90s Volvo, it is definitely inferior in terms of both mechanics and materials.

Faults:

Brakes need replacing at the rear. Nasty judder when braking.

Rear calipers need fully unseizing.

Aerial wire broke behind radio unit after removing the Rover unit and putting in my own head unit.

Couple of knocks and creaks from the suspension. Needs a few bushes.

General Comments:

This is the second Rover 600 I've had.

My last car, an Alfa 145 1.7, decided not to start one day, so I needed a road ready car, and picked this one up for £350, tax and tested!

I knew what to look out for, with experience from my last 600, and this one, granted, has a few niggles, but nothing that is serious.

Again, comfortable to relax in, competent cruiser on the motorway, the balanced 2.0 liter Honda engine is a gem.

I'm going to be a bit loathed to leave this car (my wife can only drive autos and she wants to start learning again), but the longer I keep the car, the longer I want to keep it more.

There's the usual rust on the rear arches, but nothing that a bit of elbow grease and body filler won't sort out.

This is also my very first white car I've had, so within 2 days of me getting it, a couple of black pin stripes went down the side, it looked so bland. Saying that, I don't think anyone can miss a white 600!

The I.C.E. is pretty good, now I've swapped out the Rover unit for an alternate unit. However, the radio aerial cable broke when I pushed the head unit in, so I have no radio. But that's what USB and CD's are for!

I just need to replace the rear pads and discs, and for £37 for the lot (wife works at a car dealer so gets the parts for trade price!) so that should take a few hours, as I also need to unseize the calipers for the new pads.

It still returns a respectful 27-29 mpg, but put your toe down, and you can wave good bye to that!