ROVER 214 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 131 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
131
Avg Mileage
77,263 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 1996 ROVER 214 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 28 years old, 69% of ROVER 214s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 131 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,263 miles.
How does the 1996 ROVER 214 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 ROVER 214 has 77,263 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a ROVER 214?
The most reliable year is the 1994 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1996 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1996 ROVER 214 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 214 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 214?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 ROVER 214
The 1996 ROVER 214 is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 131 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 1996 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 77,263 miles at 28 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.
1996 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 1996 ROVER 214?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% 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 1996 ROVER 214
At 28 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.
Alternatives to the 1996 ROVER 214
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (+6%) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+10%) from 6,287 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1998) 69% pass rate (same) from 4,351 tests
- TOYOTA STARLET (1998) 75% pass rate (+6%) from 3,819 tests