ROVER 414 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 104 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
104
Avg Mileage
75,411 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 1998 ROVER 414 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 26 years old, 70% of ROVER 414s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 104 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 75,411 miles.
How does the 1998 ROVER 414 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 ROVER 414 has 75,411 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.
How much does a 1998 ROVER 414 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
ROVER 414 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 414?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 ROVER 414
The 1998 ROVER 414 is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 104 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 75,411 miles at 26 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.
1998 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 1998 ROVER 414?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% 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 1998 ROVER 414
At 26 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 ROVER 414
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+3%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+19%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (same) from 6,792 tests