ROVER 216 (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 79 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
79
Avg Mileage
93,329 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,527
Is the 1991 ROVER 216 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 33 years old, 90% of ROVER 216s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 79 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,329 miles.
How does the 1991 ROVER 216 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 ROVER 216 has 93,329 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.
How much does a 1991 ROVER 216 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
ROVER 216 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 216?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 ROVER 216
The 1991 ROVER 216 is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 79 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 93,329 miles at 33 years old, 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.
1991 ROVER 216 Fuel Costs
The 1598cc 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 1991 ROVER 216?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,527 (£127/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
ROVER 216 Reliability Trend
Older ROVER 216s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1991 ROVER 216
At 33 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. Note: with only 79 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1991 ROVER 216
The ROVER 216 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (-10%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (-6%) from 3,316 tests
- ROVER MINI (1993) 74% pass rate (-16%) from 2,855 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (-5%) from 2,672 tests