1995 Rover - Austin 200 220 GSI 2.0 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Cheap for a 2 litre 130mph car, pick one a top notch one for £3995
Faults:
Clip went on coolant hose meaning complete loss of coolant and serious overheating - only cost £30 to fix at Rover dealer.
Leaking head gasket but seems to have stopped now.
Brakes getting filled with dirt and squelling.
A faulty front shock (due to be replaced with Koni shocks and uprated Moto build springs when I can afford it!).
New rear tyres.
Nothing really major, very happy with the car and dealer cheap and professional.
General Comments:
Good car, cheap to buy and relatively cheap to run for a hot hatch. Is a little lacking in performance below 3000rpm, but drop a cog and floor it and you're smiling. Can be expensive to run but search around and you're OK. My rear tyres are £100 normally, I found same tyres for £55! Plenty of grip on corners but does roll too much (soon to be solved see above!) but handles better than a Coupe! Very crap ICE. Now been dynamatted (stops the infernal rattles!) and Infinity and Sony ICE - much better.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th April, 2000
20th Feb 2001, 06:38
The cooling system of 220 GTI is pressurised, blowing water through the pistons and turbo charger. Niggling problems, but can scare you when the foot is put down.
Our GTi is now wrecked due to very expensive repairs on the engine head.