1994 Rover - Austin Coupe 220 2.0 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A flawed fast coupe
Faults:
Heavy oil leak from cylinder head.
ABS sensor on offside rear wheel failed.
ABS sensor on another wheel failed.
Front fog light not working.
Leather Seats must have been sourced from a left hand drive car (drivers seat should be adjustable, not passengers).
Heavy front brake pad wear (6000 miles).
Drivers door handle snapped.
General Comments:
The rover 220 coupe is a lovely looking car, but the faults far outweigh this. All cars need new parts from time to time, but ever since Rover stopped using Unipart to make its parts things have gone to pot.
I ordered a replacement door handle from Rover and I was told that it was on back order (whatever that means), It took six weeks for delivery which is a long time when you are having to climb over the passenger seat to get into the car. Once the part had arrived I asked Rover how much it would cost to fit, they said it would take around an hour and a half, I thought that was a bit excessive seeing as they charge £60 per hour, so I did it myself in 45 minutes, work that one out.
When the car is running fine it is an OK drive. The suspension crashes a bit over potholes, but that is to be expected due to sports springs. The engine pulls well up hills and accelerates briskly to sixty in around 8 seconds. I manage to get around 250 miles to a tank full of petrol, but that does involve town driving.
Build quality is a bit iffy, with lots of rattles and loose trim from within the vehicle. The (optional) Leather seats are quite comfortable, but a touch on the hard side.
Overall, The Rover 220 coupe is a good looking fast car that has annoying niggles and build quality issues.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd March, 2003