1996 Rover - Austin 600 620Ti 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Poor, poor, poor... expensive, expensive, expensive, unreliable, unreliable, unreliable

Faults:

Gearbox failed, and had to be replaced.

Clutch replaced.

Head gasket blew, and was fixed.

4x new tyres.

Leather worn on driver seat.

General Comments:

Rover are known for their poor build quality and even poorer K series engines (Watchdog etc have commented on the head haskets failing). The 620TI is the only 600 series with a Rover engine, the others have Honda engines.

Surprise surprise, the car I owned cost me £1500 to buy, and the same to repair. Each time I drove it, something would fall off, or a new rattle would develop...

AVOID these cars, and ROVER in general... or expect to be paying out for a car that loses its residual value quickly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st November, 2004

2nd Dec 2004, 05:55

The 620 Ti engine is not a K series, and the other engines used in the 600`s are not Honda, the manual gearbox is made by honda, it can fail, like most honda`s, I`d rather have a bad rover than a good Honda, if there is such a thing as a good Honda.

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1996 Rover - Austin 600 Si 2.0 from Denmark

Summary:

A great long distance cruiser, but able to play at being a sports car if you're in the mood

Faults:

New front bearing.

New windscreen washer motor.

General Comments:

A Honda in disguise. The car has been almost perfect. The light beige colour interior has survived three children and a gravel road without any permanent stains. Rover dealers should be avoided like the plague. The biggest problem with this car is that the large back window makes aircon a necessity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st March, 2004

1996 Rover - Austin 600 620 SRi 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A man's car

Faults:

Drivers window makes a rude noise when closing... honest.

Weather proofing around the door seals is quite worn.

General Comments:

This car looks like a million dollars. I couldn't believe the deal I got, £1495 with 6 months tax and 6 months test.

The low gear grunt and effortless acceleration make you feel you are driving a serious, serious car. Couple that with the Honda Accord looks and the silent cabin with the armchair seats, and this car has the whole package.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2003

1996 Rover - Austin 600 SLDi 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A true wolf in sheep's clothing!

Faults:

Just changed the oils after the first 6,000 miles.

The air conditioning needed replacing when purchased.

General Comments:

This is a bargain motor. At first I hated it, then I drove it and now I love it. These cars are well and truly under rated and easily out perform most other makes. I have left BMW 320TDS and 325TDS at the lights!

The turbo diesel model is supreme and the replacement of parts is fairly cheap too. The insurance whacked me, but I guess you can't have it all your own way.

If you do lots of miles, seriously consider getting this motor, you will not be disappointed!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2003

26th Mar 2005, 11:34

I have an R-reg 1998 SDI 2.0 TD it goes like stink I have had 135mph out of this which for a diesel is amazing, due to the speed though the inter-cooler pipe split as I don't think they were planning on me driving it when they built these things, but the engine is strong and tough as anything, I've got 95k on my clock and the engine will outlive the car I think.

It's a winner if you can put up with the nilly little things that happen, but that's life with any car.

1996 Rover - Austin 600 SLDI 2.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

If it has a complete service history these cars are a bargain

Faults:

Electric Aerial broke at 65,000 miles.

Drivers electric window kept jumping its runner.

New clutch at 120,000 miles, first time.

Many niggling electrical faults all earthing related.

Front bumper prone to severe stone chips.

Bonnet prone to stone chips.

Display on radio disappeared at 125,000 miles.

Jumps out of second gear on cornering since 100,00 miles.

General Comments:

No real faults that have kept this car off the road for any considerable time.

This is not a quick car, but a solid reliable work horse.

The interior still looks good with a reasonable amount of extras.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2003