ROVER 45 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 736 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
736
Avg Mileage
77,958 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 2003 ROVER 45 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.
At 21 years old, 72% of ROVER 45s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 736 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,958 miles.
How does the 2003 ROVER 45 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 ROVER 45 has 77,958 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a ROVER 45?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2003 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2003 ROVER 45 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 45 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 45?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 ROVER 45
The 2003 ROVER 45 is a small family car with a 1588cc petrol engine. 736 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 77,958 miles at 21 years old, ROVER 45 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 ROVER 45 Fuel Costs
The 1588cc 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 2003 ROVER 45?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% 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 2003 ROVER 45
At 21 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%.
Alternatives to the 2003 ROVER 45
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 29,754 tests