ROVER 218 (1995)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 52 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
52
Avg Mileage
101,969 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,795
Is the 1995 ROVER 218 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 29 years old, 65% of ROVER 218s from 1995 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 52 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,969 miles.
How does the 1995 ROVER 218 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1995 ROVER 218 has 101,969 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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 218?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 71% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1995 ROVER 218 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 218 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 218?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1995 ROVER 218
The 1995 ROVER 218 is a small family car with a 1590cc diesel engine. 52 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 1995 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 101,969 miles at 29 years old, ROVER 218 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.
1995 ROVER 218 Fuel Costs
The 1590cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1995 ROVER 218?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,795 (£150/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
ROVER 218 Reliability Trend
Newer ROVER 218s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1995 ROVER 218
At 29 years old, the ROVER 218 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 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1995 ROVER 218
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FIAT DUCATO (1996) 69% pass rate (+4%) from 2,278 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1997) 66% pass rate (+1%) from 1,926 tests
- PEUGEOT 306 (1996) 74% pass rate (+9%) from 615 tests
- FORD MONDEO (1996) 73% pass rate (+8%) from 574 tests