ROVER 618 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 300 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
300
Avg Mileage
88,092 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1999 ROVER 618 reliable?
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 25 years old, 78% of ROVER 618s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 300 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,092 miles.
How does the 1999 ROVER 618 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 ROVER 618 has 88,092 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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%. The 1999 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 1999 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 1999 ROVER 618
The 1999 ROVER 618 is a family car with a 1797cc petrol engine. 300 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 25 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 £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 25 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%.
Alternatives to the 1999 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:
- TOYOTA YARIS (2001) 71% pass rate (-7%) from 12,710 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (-10%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-5%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-7%) from 8,442 tests