ROVER 214 (1993)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 183 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,087
£174/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1396cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2087/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1396cc
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 33 years old, 67% of ROVER 214s from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 183 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,416 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,416
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1993 ROVER 214 has 79,416 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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 1994 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 67%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
ROVER 214 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1993 ROVER 214
The 1993 ROVER 214 is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 183 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 1993 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 79,416 miles at 33 years old, ROVER 214 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.
1993 ROVER 214 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 1993 ROVER 214?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,087 (£174/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
ROVER 214 Reliability Trend
The ROVER 214 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1993 ROVER 214
At 33 years old, the ROVER 214 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 1993 ROVER 214'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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 1993 ROVER 214 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROVER 214(1993) | 67% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £2087 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£220 |
| ROVER MINI(1993) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£365 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1995) | 74% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£70 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1991) | 82% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£220 |
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
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
ROVER MINI
1993 · 1275cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
1995 · 1840cc Petrol
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