Rover 114 (1996)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 138 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,183
£182/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£230
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1396cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2,183/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.
76% of MOT tests on Rover 114s from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 138 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 58,645 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
58,645
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1996 Rover 114 had 58,645 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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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Rover 114 by Year
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About the 1996 Rover 114
The 1996 Rover 114 is a small family car. Our records list a 1396cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 138 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 58,645 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover 114 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 114 Fuel Costs
The 1396cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 Rover 114?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,183 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Rover 114 Reliability Trend
The Rover 114 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 Rover 114
At 30 years old, the Rover 114 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
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 114 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rover 114(1996) | 76% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,183 |
| Mazda MX-5(1998) | 75% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328+£145 |
| BMW 3 Series(1998) | 79% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£378 |
| Nissan Micra(1998) | 69% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,383+£200 |
| Toyota Starlet(1998) | 75% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,183same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1996 Rover 114
Is the 1996 Rover 114 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1996 Rover 114s ended in a pass, from 138 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1996 Rover 114 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,183 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Rover 114?
76% of 138 MOT tests on the 1996 Rover 114 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 119th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 1996 Rover 114?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Rover 114 is 58,645 miles, 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.
Related Rover Models
Explore other Rover cars or similar models in the same category.
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Mazda MX-5
1998 · 1597cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
1998 · 1796cc Petrol
Nissan Micra
1998 · 1298cc Petrol
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