ROVER 111 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 216 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
216
Avg Mileage
43,809 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 1997 ROVER 111 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 27 years old, 66% of ROVER 111s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 216 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 43,809 miles.
How does the 1997 ROVER 111 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 ROVER 111 has 43,809 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 111?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 71% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1997 ROVER 111 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 111 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 111?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 ROVER 111
The 1997 ROVER 111 is a city car with a 1120cc petrol engine. 216 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 90% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 43,809 miles at 27 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.
1997 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 1997 ROVER 111?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,740 (£145/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1997 ROVER 111
At 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 ROVER 111
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+7%) from 8,535 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+23%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+4%) from 6,792 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1999) 67% pass rate (+1%) from 4,854 tests