Rover 25 (2006)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 101 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,428
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1588cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2,428/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Rover brand average of 74%.
69% of MOT tests on Rover 25s from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 101 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 57,724 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
57,724
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2006 Rover 25 had 57,724 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 69%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Rover 25 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2006 Rover 25
The 2006 Rover 25 is a small family car. Our records list a 1588cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 101 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 20% of 2006 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 57,724 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.
2006 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2006 Rover 25?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,428 (£202/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2006 Rover 25
At 20 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2006 Rover 25 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rover 25(2006) | 69% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£275 |
| Ford Focus(2008) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£200 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2008) | 73% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£275 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£67 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2006 Rover 25
Is the 2006 Rover 25 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2006 Rover 25s ended in a pass, from 101 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2006 Rover 25 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,428 a year (£202 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Rover 25?
69% of 101 MOT tests on the 2006 Rover 25 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 446th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom 20%).
Which year Rover 25 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 Rover 25 has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 2006 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2006 Rover 25?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Rover 25 is 57,724 miles, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Rover Models
Explore other Rover cars or similar models in the same category.
Rover 75
2004 · 4601cc Petrol
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1990 · 998cc Petrol
Rover 45
2004 · 1588cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2008 · 1596cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
2008 · 1229cc Petrol
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