ROVER 618 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 79 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
79
Avg Mileage
110,573 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1998 ROVER 618 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 26 years old, 82% of ROVER 618s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 79 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,573 miles.
How does the 1998 ROVER 618 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 ROVER 618 has 110,573 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 1998 ROVER 618 cost to run?
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 1998 ROVER 618
The 1998 ROVER 618 is a family car with a 1797cc petrol engine. 79 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 110,573 miles at 26 years old, ROVER 618 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 ROVER 618 Fuel Costs
The 1797cc 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 1998 ROVER 618?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 1998 ROVER 618
At 26 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. Note: with only 79 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 ROVER 618
The ROVER 618 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-9%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-11%) from 8,442 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-12%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (-12%) from 6,496 tests