CarCostCheck

ROVER 220 (1999)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 56 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1994cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel1994cc27 years old56 tests96k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1994cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037
Road Tax

Based on 1994cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£1,857
Per month£155/mo
Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

77% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 27 years old, 77% of ROVER 220s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 56 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 95,779 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 cars165th of 375(top 44%)
Rank among ROVER models48th of 153(top 31%)
vs national average-5%(82% avg)
vs 1999 cars average+2%(75% avg)
vs ROVER average+3%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,779

Average miles

vs

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1999 ROVER 220 has 95,779 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1993 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 77%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

ROVER 220 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
199977%5695,779 mi
199889%3578,294 mi
199771%34111,588 mi
199680%3590,458 mi
199582%21795,929 mi
199478%13499,052 mi
199385%107111,709 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 1999 ROVER 220

The 1999 ROVER 220 is a family car with a 1994cc diesel engine. 56 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, 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 95,779 miles at 27 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.

1999 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 1999 ROVER 220?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 1999 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. Note: with only 56 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1999 ROVER 220's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 96k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1999 ROVER 220 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
ROVER 220(1999)77%£1037£265Grp 18-32£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2001)72%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1999)70%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£193
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(1999)75%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£193
BMW 3 SERIES(2000)77%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Rover Models

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Related Guides

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