Rover 618 (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 300 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1797cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1797cc27 years old300 tests88k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1797cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Rover brand average of 74%.

78% of MOT tests on Rover 618s from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 300 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 88,092 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models133rd of 361(top half)

Rank among Rover models37th of 153(top 25%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+3%(75% avg)

vs Rover average+4%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

88,092

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Rover 618 had 88,092 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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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

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-7%

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-10%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-5%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-7%

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About the 1999 Rover 618

The 1999 Rover 618 is a family car. Our records list a 1797cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 300 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 88,092 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 1999 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 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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.

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 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 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

Medium risk

With 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 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 1999 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(1999)	78%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£408
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£133
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

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 1999 Rover 618

Is the 1999 Rover 618 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 1999 Rover 618s ended in a pass, from 300 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 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 1999 Rover 618?

78% of 300 MOT tests on the 1999 Rover 618 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 133rd of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top half).

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 1999 Rover 618?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Rover 618 is 88,092 miles, 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.