ROVER 618 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 135 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
135
Avg Mileage
111,827 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1997 ROVER 618 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 27 years old, 70% of ROVER 618s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 135 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,827 miles.
How does the 1997 ROVER 618 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 ROVER 618 has 111,827 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a ROVER 618?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1997 ROVER 618 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 618 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 618?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 ROVER 618
The 1997 ROVER 618 is a family car with a 1850cc petrol engine. 135 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 111,827 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 ROVER 618?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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.
ROVER 618 Reliability Trend
Newer ROVER 618s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 ROVER 618
At 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 ROVER 618
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+3%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+9%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+5%) from 5,268 tests