ROVER 414 (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 39 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1396cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1396cc
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 close to the national average of 82%.
At 29 years old, 77% of ROVER 414s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 39 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,129 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
73,129
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 ROVER 414 has 73,129 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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 1998 model with a 70% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 52%. The 1997 sits between the two at 77%.
ROVER 414 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1997 ROVER 414
The 1997 ROVER 414 is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 39 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 73,129 miles at 29 years old, ROVER 414 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.
1997 ROVER 414 Fuel Costs
The 1396cc 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 1997 ROVER 414?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 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 414 Reliability Trend
Newer ROVER 414s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 ROVER 414
At 29 years old, the ROVER 414 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 70%. Note: with only 39 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1997 ROVER 414'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 1997 ROVER 414 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROVER 414(1997) | 77% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£130 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(1999) | 89% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£497 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1999) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
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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MAZDA MX-5
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1999 · 1781cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
1999 · 1199cc Petrol
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