ROVER 111 (1996)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 154 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 30 years old, 71% of ROVER 111s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 154 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 44,008 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
44,008
Average miles
222,000
Expected for age
The average 1996 ROVER 111 has 44,008 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-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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ROVER 111 by Year
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About the 1996 ROVER 111
The 1996 ROVER 111 is a city car with a 1120cc petrol engine. 154 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 44,008 miles at 30 years old, ROVER 111 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.
1996 ROVER 111 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 1996 ROVER 111?
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 111 Reliability Trend
The ROVER 111 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 ROVER 111
At 30 years old, the ROVER 111 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1996 ROVER 111'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 1996 ROVER 111 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROVER 111(1996) | 71% | £955 | £165 | Grp 5-15 | £1675 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1998) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£152 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1998) | 69% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922+£247 |
| TOYOTA STARLET(1998) | 75% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£47 |
| HONDA CIVIC(1998) | 73% | £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
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MAZDA MX-5
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1998 · 1298cc Petrol
TOYOTA STARLET
1998 · 1332cc Petrol
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