1999 Rover - Austin 600 is 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

As of yet nothing, although when I test drove it before purchase, I noticed the brake pads could do with renewing and the electric aerial didn't extend fully, and the air conditioning system needed gassing up. This was all dealt with in quick time by the dealer, together with a few stone chips.

General Comments:

This is one of the run off models built in late 1999, and has a half leather interior with very comfy seats, air-con, all electric everything, and the 1.8 Honda engine under the bonnet.

The car itself will not melt the tarmac with its acceleration, but that's not what it was built for. It was built as a comfortable motorway cruiser and this it does very well. This is my second Rover after having owned a 420 SI previously.

The 600 has done everything I've asked of it so far, and I'm certainly pleased with it. You can't really complain when you're paying sub £2000 for a vehicle which is in very good condition, and has (apart from sat nav which I don't need anyway) every creature comfort.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th August, 2006

1999 Rover - Austin 600 618iS 1.8 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Competent all rounder!

Faults:

A few interior squeaks and rattles.

No mechanical problems.

General Comments:

I bought this car in December 2005 to replace my ageing Citroen Xantia. The idea was to get a large, reliable car with reasonable running costs- (l was worried every time l had to take the xantia further than the local shops!) The car is a late model 1.8 S and is in lovely condition. I find the car very aesthetically pleasing, especially with the standard 16inch alloys.

Ride/Handling/performance- When l test drove the car l was immediately impressed with how taut the handling was when compared with the Citroen, body roll is also well contained.

The steering is accurate, but it feels a little over assisted, particularly at low speeds.

The ride quality is good at motorway speeds, but a little unsettled around town, although l have to say it is better than l expected.

I am impressed with the engine performance of this car- the engine revs freely and accelerates fairly quickly off the line. Never feels that fast because of the bulk of the body, but overtaking is easy and sometimes l am surprised when l look at the speedo- engine is best after 3500rpm- could use more low end torque. Excellent on the motorway.

On average l get around 35mpg which is the same as the 2.0L Citroen, although this is a much larger car so l'll let it off!

Space/running costs- This car has a huge boot! although this sacrifices rear leg room which is very poor! Lots of space and comfort for those in the front.

Running costs: Good fuel economy and reasonable group 10 insurance- I imagine parts are expensive, but l'm hoping not to find out for a while!

I love this car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2006

13th Dec 2007, 08:51

It's a Honda with Rover trimming and finishing. A very underrated car.

31st Mar 2013, 19:21

UPDATE: I am the original reviewer - The car is still going strong and has now covered over 100000 in my ownership, it is utterly bomb-proof and always passes MOTs with ease! Absolutely the best value vehicle I have ever purchased, I cannot recommend it highly enough!

1999 Rover - Austin 600 Ti 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Wolf in sheep's clothing. Very cheap to buy as well!

Faults:

Coolant hose from thermostat hosing to coolant rail split. Cost £4.

The bleed screw on the coolant hose from the thermostat to the radiator snapped, cost £43 for a new hose!

The seats being half leather do suffer from wear on the bolsters, which I repaired with some black leather dye.

General Comments:

The handling is good for such a big car.

The boot is massive and the rear seats fold down for even more room if required.

The interior is very well laid out and only a few tiny rattles.

With a few modifications, the car sounds and feels a lot better.

I've fitted an induction kit, boost controller, a 2.5" exhaust from the downpipe back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2004