ROVER 25 (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,168 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1588cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1588cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.
At 23 years old, 75% of ROVER 25s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,168 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,504 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,504
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 ROVER 25 has 69,504 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2005 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2003 sits between the two at 75%.
ROVER 25 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 ROVER 25
The 2003 ROVER 25 is a small family car with a 1588cc petrol engine. 1,168 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 69,504 miles at 23 years old, ROVER 25 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.
2003 ROVER 25 Fuel Costs
The 1588cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 ROVER 25?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
ROVER 25 Reliability Trend
The ROVER 25 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 ROVER 25
At 23 years old, the ROVER 25 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 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 ROVER 25's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2003 ROVER 25 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROVER 25(2003) | 75% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FOCUS(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2005) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
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
Explore other Rover cars or similar models in the same category.
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MINI MINI
2005 · 1598cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2005 · 1596cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2003 · 1388cc Petrol
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