Is the 2001 ROVER 45 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of ROVER 45s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 551 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2001 ROVER 45 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 ROVER 45?

The 2001 ROVER 45 has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 551 tests in 2026. This ranks 224 out of 362 cars from 2001.

Which year ROVER 45 is most reliable?

The 2004 ROVER 45 has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 65%.

ROVER 45 (2001)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2001 ROVER 45?

The average mileage for a 2001 ROVER 45 is 86,081 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 551 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1589cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1589cc25 years old551 tests86k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1589cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1589cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,957

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/wk

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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

At 25 years old, 71% of ROVER 45s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 551 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,081 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars224th of 362(top 62%)

Rank among ROVER models106th of 153(top 69%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 2001 cars average-2%(73% avg)

vs ROVER average-3%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,081

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 ROVER 45 has 86,081 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 2004 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2001 sits between the two at 71%.

ROVER 45 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

same

MINI MINI

2003 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

72%

+1%

FORD FOCUS

2003 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,027/year

68%

-3%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2003 · 1400cc Petrol

£1,922/year

67%

-4%

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About the 2001 ROVER 45

The 2001 ROVER 45 is a small family car with a 1589cc petrol engine. 551 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,081 miles at 25 years old, ROVER 45 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.

2001 ROVER 45 Fuel Costs

The 1589cc 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 2001 ROVER 45?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

ROVER 45 Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 2001 ROVER 45

At 25 years old, the ROVER 45 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 72%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2001 ROVER 45's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 86k 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.

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 2001 ROVER 45 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
ROVER 45(2001)	71%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1957
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
MINI MINI(2003)	72%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
FORD FOCUS(2003)	68%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£2027+£70
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2003)	67%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1922-£35

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.