1997 Rover - Austin 600 Ti 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Hides its abilities under a plain exterior

Faults:

New brake discs required at delivery due to severe warping.

New air conditioning pump required at delivery due to extreme noise under use.

Recent water loss from the cooling system although no visible signs of leakage. Dealer unable to find the leak, have to carry water with me everywhere.

General Comments:

Very very quick indeed although heavy wear on the front tyres a consequence. Tyres are expensive P-Zero 205 Z rated asymmetric (approx £100 each tyre).

Also, fuel consumption is significantly higher than my previous 620Si (although this would be expected).

A nice touch is the plain "600" boot-lid badge, only those in the know will be aware of what it is and what it can do (0-60 in 7 seconds, 144mph). I've had it up to 130mph and there was plenty more to come.

Inside is fairly bland, but half-leather is a nice touch.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th August, 2001

25th Aug 2001, 21:44

The Pirellis for the 620 are expensive indeed. Here in New Zealand they are NZ$550 a piece which is about 170 pounds! Besides they wear pretty fast in the front and are notorious for sidewall weakness.

When I faced replacing tyres to my 620ti, I took a look around and found Kumho ECSTA Supra 712 (a very high spec tyre) much better value for money. I got them for NZ$230 each which is about 70 pounds, which is much less than half of Pirelli's price!

So far I've been happy with Kumhos. In addition, with Kumhos the tendency of steering pulling from side to side almost disappeared. Perhaps that's why Pirelli calls the tyre 'Asimmetrico'...

View 7 more comments

1997 Rover - Austin 600 Ti petrol turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Low cost, high power and reliable (if maintained correctly)

Faults:

Weepy head, sump and rocker gaskets at 60,000 miles. All repaired at the cam belt change (60K) under the Rover warranty.

Rear seat belt replaced.

General Comments:

6,000 mile oil change is a must with correct oil and unipart filter.

Very rapid acceleration from 90mph to 130mph, power band is from 4000RPM approx. 0-60mph around 6-7 seconds

Reasonable service costs and repairs.

Very easy to clock!! Buy from a Rover dealer with a Rover extended warranty!

Group 17/18 insurance!

Fairly easy power tune! If you've got the money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2001

1997 Rover - Austin 600 Ti 2.0i turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A wolf in sheep's clothing

Faults:

Coolant leaks - top and bottom pipes replaced under warranty. Okay since.

Slow power steering leak - hoses, remounted, and clips tightened up. Okay since.

Oil system failure led to permanent engine damage. New engine provided under warranty. Okay since, though 'running in' period was a bit of a pain...

General Comments:

The previous owner/driver must have thrashed this car! Thank goodness for a top notch warranty and excellent dealer service. The car is everything I hoped it would be and more - I love it!

The best bit is pushing past sports car drivers when you have one adult up front reading a book and two children playing in the back!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2001

23rd Jan 2001, 14:15

Drove a Ti once. Awful.

Being FWD you can never pull away from traffic lights without shredding (and I mean SHREDDING) the front tyres. This was without even trying...

Try pulling away from a side road when you have to get a move on and it's back to Quickfit at £130+ a go!

The engine delivers close on 200 brake but you can never use it because it's FWD.

The only saving grace for this car is the price - due to it's anonymous styling you can pick one up for £2.50.

I'd rather have a kebab - at least that lasts longer than the tyres!

View 14 more comments

1997 Rover - Austin 600 Ti 1994 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great Q car

General Comments:

Good fast relaible motoring, 35mpg easily obtainable on a run, drops to 25ish around town.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2000

11th Jan 2001, 15:23

One of the fastest saloons on the road. Try dropping to third from fifth if you want your teeth to rattle!!

Very thirsty when thrashing it. Mine is lowered 40mm all-round, great for tight corners.