ROVER 100 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 63 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
63
Avg Mileage
36,962 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 1998 ROVER 100 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 71% of ROVER 100s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 63 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,962 miles.
How does the 1998 ROVER 100 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 ROVER 100 has 36,962 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a ROVER 100?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 71%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 ROVER 100 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
ROVER 100 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 100?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 ROVER 100
The 1998 ROVER 100 is a city car with a 1120cc petrol engine. 63 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 36,962 miles at 26 years old, ROVER 100 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1998 ROVER 100 Fuel Costs
The modest 1120cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 ROVER 100?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
ROVER 100 Reliability Trend
Older ROVER 100s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 9 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1998 ROVER 100
At 26 years old, the ROVER 100 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 63 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 ROVER 100
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 8,535 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+18%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 6,496 tests