ROVER 216 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 231 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
231
Avg Mileage
91,553 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 1996 ROVER 216 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 71% of ROVER 216s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 231 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,553 miles.
How does the 1996 ROVER 216 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 ROVER 216 has 91,553 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 216?
The most reliable year is the 1991 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 71%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1996 ROVER 216 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 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 1996 ROVER 216
The 1996 ROVER 216 is a small family car with a 1589cc petrol engine. 231 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 91,553 miles at 28 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.
1996 ROVER 216 Fuel Costs
The 1589cc 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 216?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 1996 ROVER 216
At 28 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 ROVER 216
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 (+4%) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+8%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+4%) from 5,268 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1998) 69% pass rate (-2%) from 4,351 tests