ROVER 220 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 35 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
35
Avg Mileage
78,294 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,577
Is the 1998 ROVER 220 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 26 years old, 89% of ROVER 220s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 35 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,294 miles.
How does the 1998 ROVER 220 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 ROVER 220 has 78,294 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 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 1998 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 1998 ROVER 220 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 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 1998 ROVER 220
The 1998 ROVER 220 is a family car with a 1994cc diesel engine. 35 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 78,294 miles at 26 years old, ROVER 220 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.
1998 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 1998 ROVER 220?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,577 (£131/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 1998 ROVER 220
At 26 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 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 ROVER 220
The ROVER 220 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-19%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (-14%) from 5,978 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2000) 77% pass rate (-12%) from 4,799 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (-17%) from 4,393 tests