Rover Coupe?

Rilot

Rilot

Rilot

Don
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
23,264
Location
Wargrave, UK
The missus is looking for a new car since her 750i was sold. She's quite keen on the Rover Coupe, and I think they look quite handsome too.

I've been trying to convince her to get a MK2 Mondeo 2.0 Ghia X but she won't have it... Sorry Fox.

So, oh Roper Coupe owners... Which version to get?

Budget is £1800 ish.
 
Rilot said:
I've been trying to convince her to get a MK2 Mondeo 2.0 Ghia X but she won't have it... Sorry Fox.
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You see the problem here is that she is female. The answer is simple - you must do what my Dad did when my Mum said she didnt want an FTO.

Buy her one anyway :p
 
You single, Fox?

I, and I'm sure 99% of other men, would not get away with buying their partners a car they don't like.

*n
 
[TW]Fox said:
You see the problem here is that she is female. The answer is simple - you must do what my Dad did when my Mum said she didnt want an FTO.

Buy her one anyway :p
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Not happening!! when my wife wanted a Rover, i begged her not too. Thought about buying her something better but she had her own way, like women tend to do :p

TBH though being the mod of the motors forum i would have thought you would have picked up on the Rover vibe already Rilot :p
 
For £1800 you'll get something special. You have quite a few choices actually.

First one is... get something with a Honda 1.6 lump. These normally come in SOHC variants but if you're lucky you'll get one with a DOHC engine. I think the DOHC's are 120bhp and have the Honda reliability.

Next one is the 1.8 VVC engine. This is a Rover K-series and thus you have the worry of it blowing a HG. These do go more often than the 1.4's but if it's been done properly, it'll be good for over 100,000 miles... if it does go again at all. 143bhp from this unit.

And finally (unless she wants a Turbo), the 220. This is the 2 litre Rover T-Series engine pushing out 136bhp. It's a very strong and reliable engine, my dad has one in his 800 on 270,000 miles.

The VVC models normally have full leather and the Mk3 dash while the rest mainly have cloth interior. I've found, that while the cloth interior isn't as nice looking as the leather, it is very comfy. The leater seats are quite hard.

All models will give good performance, I think around 8 seconds to 60 and top speed of around 120-135. Expect the Honda and Rover T models to have the old Mk2 dash... but they do have good levels of equipment... full electrics, some even have air-con.

Boot space is inexistant on the Coupe's and the rear seats can be cramped. Good points are the frameless doors and T-bar roof :)
 
Phew, so that's all I'm getting? I thought I was going to see pictures of whats-his-name, the dictator :p

And if I tried to mention the reasoning behind the K's HGF, I know I'd just get slated and called a liar, so I'd much rather save my fingertips.
 
agw_01 said:
Phew, so that's all I'm getting? I thought I was going to see pictures of whats-his-name, the dictator :p
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I think the only picture Fox used was one of the former Iraqi (Mis-)Information Minister. He hasn't compared you to Saddam Hussein quite yet ;)
 
Just stay away from K series engines in Rovers and youll be fin... not sure if they actually put the 1.6 k in the coupe.. hope not! Honda 1.6 is the one to look for if your after reliable without too much care. (Perfect for Ladies).

I found the 2.0 n/a engine to be very reliable and had decent enough grunt. Loads of abuse and never a spot of bother.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Apparently the K Series does not have a problem with head gaskets.
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07-minister.jpg


"There is no issue with head gaskets on Rover K Series engines!"
 
Serj said:
I think the only picture Fox used was one of the former Iraqi (Mis-)Information Minister. He hasn't compared you to Saddam Hussein quite yet ;)
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That's the one. I couldn't remember his name.

Lee, are you being sarcastic? :D It's a K, HGF is its favourite past-time.

R220, yep they replaced the 1.6 Honda's with the K's later on in the Coupe's life. I think 1997 was the changeover.

edit... haha look, there he is. He's a clever chap! Seems to know everything about anything :cool:
 
How long does it take to replace the HG on a K-Series?

I would consider myself to be intermediate/advanced when it comes to wielding spanners.
 
Just ask M0T from here. He recently did his :)

First time round it took him a few days. He had to take the head off to do it again and it took him less than a day.
 
Rilot said:
How long does it take to replace the HG on a K-Series?

I would consider myself to be intermediate/advanced when it comes to wielding spanners.
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Takes about 1/2 a day... there are good guides on Rovertech.net for replacing a K series HG.

I'd suggest going for the 220 coupe turbo though! It has the same engine as my car, and is amazingly potent when teamed up with a decent BMV.


BTW AGW... you made me do this to my car! I hope you're bloomin' happy now :)

Dsc00008.jpg
 
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Rilot said:
How long does it take to replace the HG on a K-Series?

I would consider myself to be intermediate/advanced when it comes to wielding spanners.
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Hey mate, ignore the muppets.

The Rover coupe is an AWESOME car for the money.

It looks great, goes well, can be lovely inside with full leather and Aircon, and has the T bar roof for summer, etc etc.

Anyway, for £1800 you can get a VERY nice example.

Two choices really, the 2L NASP T16, which would be very very cheap as no one wants them, but would be ultra reliable.

Second choice 1.8VVC. Personally for £1800 i'd be looking at around 70-80K miles, Full leather, and in a nice colour, like silver, or nightfire.

The VVC head gasket isn't an "easy" job, as you have all the VVC timing gear. Unless you are a very good mechanic, id leave it for someone else.

Getting the HG done isnt that bigga deal, and if you fit a Klinger (later headgasket) then you'll never have to worry about it again.

THe post '96 facelift models have a much nicer interior with the Mk3 dash.

I say go for it, and if you fancy driving it too then get the Turbo model !!
The VVC is the more sensible choice, as the insurance on the T is ridiculous.


Incedently ive a coupe turbo for sale!
 
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Anything 96 and onwards is K series, apart from some 416 autos.

T series was always used in the Coupe. M series was used in the original 800s
 
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