ROVER 216 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 150 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Total Tests (2024)
150
Avg Mileage
72,384 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,677
Is the 1999 ROVER 216 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 25 years old, 81% of ROVER 216s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 150 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,384 miles.
How does the 1999 ROVER 216 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 ROVER 216 has 72,384 miles on the clock, 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.
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%. The 1999 sits between the two at 81%.
How much does a 1999 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 1999 ROVER 216
The 1999 ROVER 216 is a small family car with a 1589cc petrol engine. 150 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 72,384 miles at 25 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.
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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 ROVER 216?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,677 (£140/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 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
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 1999 ROVER 216
At 25 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.
Alternatives to the 1999 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:
- TOYOTA YARIS (2001) 71% pass rate (-10%) from 12,710 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (-13%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-8%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-10%) from 8,442 tests