Rover 216 (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 150 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,178

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1589cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1589cc27 years old150 tests72k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1589cc)

~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

81% 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%.

81% of MOT tests on Rover 216s from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 150 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 72,384 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models100th of 361(top half)

Rank among Rover models19th of 153(top 13%)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+6%(75% avg)

vs Rover average+7%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

72,384

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Rover 216 had 72,384 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 1999 scores 81%. 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

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-10%

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-13%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-8%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-10%

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About the 1999 Rover 216

The 1999 Rover 216 is a small family car. Our records list a 1589cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 150 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 72,384 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.

1999 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 £1,398 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 1999 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 81% 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 1999 Rover 216

At 27 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%.

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.

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 1999 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(1999)	81%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£25
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£250
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£150
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£383

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 1999 Rover 216

Is the 1999 Rover 216 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1999 Rover 216s ended in a pass, from 150 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 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 1999 Rover 216?

81% of 150 MOT tests on the 1999 Rover 216 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 100th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 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 1999 Rover 216?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Rover 216 is 72,384 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.