Rover 620 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 251 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1997cc29 years old251 tests110k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Rover brand average of 74%.

70% of MOT tests on Rover 620s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 251 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 109,822 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models239th of 306(bottom 23%)

Rank among Rover models115th of 153(bottom half)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-5%(75% avg)

vs Rover average-4%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

109,822

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Rover 620 had 109,822 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1997 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Rover 620 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	73%	334	94,869 mi
1998	78%	256	109,354 mi
1997	70%	251	109,822 mi
1996	65%	191	106,943 mi
1995	76%	108	96,505 mi
1994	72%	67	108,812 mi
1993	74%	50	108,165 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+3%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+1%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+8%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+5%

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About the 1997 Rover 620

The 1997 Rover 620 is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 251 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 23% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 109,822 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover 620 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Rover 620 Fuel Costs

The 1997cc 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 1997 Rover 620?

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 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Rover 620 Reliability Trend

Newer Rover 620s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 3 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Rover 620

At 29 years old, the Rover 620 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 78%.

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 29 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

Watch out

With an average of 110k 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 1997 Rover 620 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 620(1997)	70%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
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
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£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 1997 Rover 620

Is the 1997 Rover 620 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1997 Rover 620s ended in a pass, from 251 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Rover 620 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 1997 Rover 620?

70% of 251 MOT tests on the 1997 Rover 620 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 239th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 23%).

Which year Rover 620 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Rover 620 has the highest MOT pass rate at 78% and the 1996 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Rover 620?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Rover 620 is 109,822 miles, 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.