1995 Rover - Austin Coupe 220 Turbo 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Absolutely amazing, buy one - enjoy!
Faults:
I've put two sets of front tyre's on the car (Yokohama's) in a year and a half, but with over 200bhp going through the front wheels its hardly surprising!
A couple of small oil leaks (superficial).
Power steering fluid leak from pump (£250).
Exhaust - replaced with stainless steel performance item (improved performance and sounds very nice too!).
General Comments:
A truly amazing car! You'll need to spend a lot of money to find something quicker. I've embarrassed some 30 - 40k cars in it, EASILY!
In the year and a half I've owned the car I've only been beaten twice and that was by a Lotus Esprit turbo and a 2003 BMW M3 (on the motorway).
Overall it's a great car - tops out at 150mph, 0-60 in 6 seconds. Very underrated car, quicker than an Escort Cosworth (in a straight line!).
However I do know of a few people who have had problems with them, but I think if you find a good, low mileage example you should be O.K.
Insurance can be a little pricey though group 17, I'm 25, 3 years NCB, clean licence etc, £950 fully comp.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 25th November, 2003
24th Mar 2006, 06:19
Rover Coupe Turbo. I've got one of the FDHs (Fully Specked up for the Japanese market, but never sold there). Had it since 1997 when it was new/0 miles. I love it to bits. It's very quick and much underrated. Problems:
It eats front tyres;
Gearboxes are prone to eating bearings. Get them repaired as soon as the sound occurs (usually pitted bearing races) leaving it too long leads to more severe damage.
Head Gasket Leaks. Replace with uprated gasket. This solved mine.
Rear brake calipers prone to seizing.
Water Leaks via rear bumper mounts.
Advice:
Regular Oil Changes with synthetic oil
Add braided hoses to improve braking
Add later 16 or 17 inch wheels and tyres with 205 rubber to reduce wheel spin and torque steer.
Add front strut brace to tighten up handling
Add uprated shocks, but avoid lowering as this is not necessary unless you like the look!
Enjoy!