ROVER 220 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 34 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
34
Avg Mileage
111,588 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 1997 ROVER 220 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.
At 27 years old, 71% of ROVER 220s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 34 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,588 miles.
How does the 1997 ROVER 220 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 ROVER 220 has 111,588 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a ROVER 220?
The most reliable year is the 1993 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 77%. The 1997 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1997 ROVER 220 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 220 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 220?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 ROVER 220
The 1997 ROVER 220 is a family car with a 1994cc diesel engine. 34 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 111,588 miles at 27 years old, ROVER 220 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 ROVER 220 Fuel Costs
The 1994cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 1997 ROVER 220?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 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 220 Reliability Trend
The ROVER 220 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 ROVER 220
At 27 years old, the ROVER 220 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 1993 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 ROVER 220
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+4%) from 5,978 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (+1%) from 4,393 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-6%) from 4,382 tests