ROVER 218 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 195 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
195
Avg Mileage
101,557 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 ROVER 218 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 71% of ROVER 218s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 195 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,557 miles.
How does the 1998 ROVER 218 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 ROVER 218 has 101,557 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 ROVER 218
The 1998 ROVER 218 is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 195 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 101,557 miles at 26 years old, ROVER 218 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 ROVER 218 Fuel Costs
The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 ROVER 218?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 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 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 1998 ROVER 218
At 26 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 ROVER 218
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (same) from 8,442 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 6,496 tests