Rover 820 (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 180 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1994cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1994cc27 years old180 tests92k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1994cc)

~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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

72% of MOT tests on Rover 820s from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 180 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,530 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models233rd of 361(bottom half)

Rank among Rover models102nd of 153(bottom half)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

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

vs Rover average-2%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,530

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Rover 820 had 91,530 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 820 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	72%	180	91,530 mi
1998	73%	97	89,711 mi
1997	72%	103	91,768 mi
1996	70%	79	94,315 mi
1994	83%	40	98,797 mi
1992	67%	30	92,011 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-4%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-1%

Honda Civic

2001 · 1590cc Petrol

£2,228/year

70%

-2%

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About the 1999 Rover 820

The 1999 Rover 820 is a family car. Our records list a 1994cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 180 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 91,530 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover 820 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 820 Fuel Costs

The 1994cc 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 820?

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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1999 Rover 820

At 27 years old, the Rover 820 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 92k 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 820 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 820(1999)	72%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
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
Honda Civic(2001)	70%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£333

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 820

Is the 1999 Rover 820 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1999 Rover 820s ended in a pass, from 180 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Rover 820 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 820?

72% of 180 MOT tests on the 1999 Rover 820 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 233rd of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom half).

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Rover 820?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Rover 820 is 91,530 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.