Rover 416 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 62 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,528

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1590cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,528/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Petrol1590cc36 years old62 tests122k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1590cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,528

Per month£211/mo

Per week£49/wk

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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Rover brand average of 74%.

68% of MOT tests on Rover 416s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 62 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 122,334 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models165th of 182(bottom 10%)

Rank among Rover models132nd of 153(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-11%(79% avg)

vs Rover average-6%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

122,334

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Rover 416 had 122,334 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1990 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Rover 416 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	65%	262	91,109 mi
1998	76%	245	77,570 mi
1997	74%	160	79,369 mi
1996	70%	103	79,582 mi
1995	74%	194	86,099 mi
1994	72%	109	96,448 mi
1993	81%	54	69,559 mi
1992	76%	45	68,742 mi
1991	79%	56	82,598 mi
1990	68%	62	122,334 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+12%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+16%

Rover Mini

1991 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

+12%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+17%

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About the 1990 Rover 416

The 1990 Rover 416 is a small family car. Our records list a 1590cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 62 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 10% of 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 122,334 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover 416 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.

1990 Rover 416 Fuel Costs

The 1590cc 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 1990 Rover 416?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,528 (£211/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Rover 416 Reliability Trend

The Rover 416 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 Rover 416

At 36 years old, the Rover 416 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 76%. Note: with only 62 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 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

Watch out

With an average of 122k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1990 Rover 416 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 416(1990)	68%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,528
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£117
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£117
Rover Mini(1991)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033-£495
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£350

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 1990 Rover 416

Is the 1990 Rover 416 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 1990 Rover 416s ended in a pass, from 62 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Rover 416 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,528 a year (£211 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 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 1990 Rover 416?

68% of 62 MOT tests on the 1990 Rover 416 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 165th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom 10%).

Which year Rover 416 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Rover 416 has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 1999 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Rover 416?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Rover 416 is 122,334 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.