ROVER 100 (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 63 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,675
£140/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1120cc Petrol
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1675/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 1120cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 71% of ROVER 100s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 63 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,962 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
36,962
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 ROVER 100 has 36,962 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
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.
ROVER 100 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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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 2026, 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 28 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 £1,675 (£140/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £165 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 28 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 ROVER 100's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1998 ROVER 100 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROVER 100(1998) | 71% | £955 | £165 | Grp 5-15 | £1675 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£152 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(1999) | 89% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£285 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1999) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£47 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2000) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£47 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Rover Models
Explore other Rover cars or similar models in the same category.
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ROVER 25
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MAZDA MX-5
1999 · 1600cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
1999 · 1199cc Petrol
NISSAN MICRA
1999 · 1298cc Petrol
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