ROVER 214 (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 332 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1396cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 10 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 72% of ROVER 214s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 332 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,951 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,951
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 ROVER 214 has 69,951 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.
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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%. The 1998 sits between the two at 72%.
ROVER 214 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 ROVER 214
The 1998 ROVER 214 is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 332 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 69,951 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.
1998 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 1998 ROVER 214?
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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 1998 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 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.
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 1998 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(1998) | 72% | £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
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MAZDA MX-5
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1999 · 1781cc Petrol
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1999 · 1199cc Petrol
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