ROVER 618 (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 300 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1797cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2197/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1797cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 27 years old, 78% of ROVER 618s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 300 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,092 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
88,092
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 ROVER 618 has 88,092 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 1998 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1999 sits between the two at 78%.
ROVER 618 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1999 ROVER 618
The 1999 ROVER 618 is a family car with a 1797cc petrol engine. 300 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 88,092 miles at 27 years old, ROVER 618 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.
1999 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 1999 ROVER 618?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 1999 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 ROVER 618's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 27 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 88k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 1999 ROVER 618 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROVER 618(1999) | 78% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2001) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£475 |
| FORD FOCUS(2001) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£170 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
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.
Related Rover Models
Explore other Rover cars or similar models in the same category.
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TOYOTA YARIS
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MAZDA MX-5
1999 · 1600cc Petrol
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