Rover 45

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 6 model years from 3,645 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

70%

Total Tests

3,645

Highest Pass Rate

2004 (72%)

Years Covered

About the Rover 45

The Rover 45 was MOT tested 3,645 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 6 model years (2000 to 2005), with an average pass rate of 70%. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 72% from 809 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 7 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Rover 45 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2000) averages 77,262 miles, while the newest (2005) averages 80,153 miles.

Compared to the Rover brand average of 74%, the 45 is 4 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Rover models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1588cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,428

Per month£202/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2005 details

How reliable is the Rover 45?

vs average of all models-12% (82% avg)

vs Rover brand average-4% (74% avg)

Best to worst year spread7 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Rover 45 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2005	69%	424	80,153 mi
2004	72%	809	79,774 mi
2003	72%	736	77,958 mi
2002	70%	702	79,274 mi
2001	71%	551	86,081 mi
2000	65%	423	77,262 mi

Questions about the Rover 45

Is the Rover 45 reliable?

Across its 6 model years in our data (2000 to 2005), the Rover 45 averages a 70% MOT pass rate, from 3,645 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2004 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 72%.

Which year Rover 45 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 Rover 45 has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%, a 7 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.