ROVER 114 (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 189 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1396cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 6 points below average.
Check a specific ROVER 114
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1396cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this ROVER 114
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.
At 29 years old, 76% of ROVER 114s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 189 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 44,004 miles.
Got a ROVER 114 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
44,004
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 ROVER 114 has 44,004 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific ROVER 114?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
ROVER 114 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Rover 114
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 1997 ROVER 114
The 1997 ROVER 114 is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 189 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 44,004 miles at 29 years old, 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.
1997 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 £1,137 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 114?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 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 1997 ROVER 114
At 29 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
Based on the 1997 ROVER 114's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 1997 ROVER 114 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROVER 114(1997) | 76% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£130 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(1999) | 89% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£497 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1999) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
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.
ROVER 75
2004 · 4601cc Petrol
ROVER MINI
1990 · 998cc Petrol
ROVER 25
2003 · 1588cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
1999 · 1600cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1999 · 1781cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
1999 · 1199cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Rover 114.
Cars That Hold Their Value UK 2026 (Up to 71% After 3 Years)
10 min read
Buying GuideIs an Extended Car Warranty Worth It? UK Guide for 2026
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific ROVER 114
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a ROVER 114? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data