Rover 216 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 71 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,178

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1590cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1590cc36 years old71 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1590cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,178

Per month£182/mo

Per week£42/wk

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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Rover brand average of 74%.

80% of MOT tests on Rover 216s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 71 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 95,086 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models101st of 182(bottom half)

Rank among Rover models29th of 153(top 19%)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+1%(79% avg)

vs Rover average+6%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,086

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Rover 216 had 95,086 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1990 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Rover 216 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	81%	150	72,384 mi
1998	72%	370	79,065 mi
1997	71%	286	73,470 mi
1996	71%	231	91,553 mi
1995	73%	378	90,472 mi
1994	82%	251	80,144 mi
1993	77%	220	80,042 mi
1992	74%	156	89,910 mi
1991	90%	79	93,329 mi
1990	80%	71	95,086 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

same

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+4%

Rover Mini

1991 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

same

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+5%

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About the 1990 Rover 216

The 1990 Rover 216 is a small family car. Our records list a 1590cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 71 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 95,086 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover 216 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.

1990 Rover 216 Fuel Costs

The 1590cc 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 1990 Rover 216?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,178 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Rover 216 Reliability Trend

The Rover 216 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 Rover 216

At 36 years old, the Rover 216 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 82%. Note: with only 71 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 95k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 1990 Rover 216 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 216(1990)	80%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
Rover Mini(1991)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033-£145
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178same

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 1990 Rover 216

Is the 1990 Rover 216 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 1990 Rover 216s ended in a pass, from 71 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Rover 216 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,178 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Rover 216?

80% of 71 MOT tests on the 1990 Rover 216 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 101st of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

Which year Rover 216 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 Rover 216 has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 1996 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Rover 216?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Rover 216 is 95,086 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.