Rover 618 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 135 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1850cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1850cc29 years old135 tests112k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1850cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Rover brand average of 74%.

70% of MOT tests on Rover 618s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 135 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 111,827 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models241st of 306(bottom 22%)

Rank among Rover models116th of 153(bottom 25%)

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

vs 1997 models average-5%(75% avg)

vs Rover average-4%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

111,827

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Rover 618 had 111,827 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Rover 618 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	78%	300	88,092 mi
1998	82%	79	110,573 mi
1997	70%	135	111,827 mi
1996	56%	34	102,492 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+3%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+1%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+9%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+5%

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About the 1997 Rover 618

The 1997 Rover 618 is a family car. Our records list a 1850cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 135 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 22% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 111,827 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover 618 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Rover 618 Fuel Costs

The 1850cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 1997 Rover 618?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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.

Buying a Used 1997 Rover 618

At 29 years old, the Rover 618 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 112k 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 1997 Rover 618 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 618(1997)	70%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

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 1997 Rover 618

Is the 1997 Rover 618 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1997 Rover 618s ended in a pass, from 135 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.

How much does a 1997 Rover 618 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Rover 618?

70% of 135 MOT tests on the 1997 Rover 618 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 241st of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 22%).

Which year Rover 618 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Rover 618 has the highest MOT pass rate at 78% and the 1997 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Rover 618?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Rover 618 is 111,827 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.