ROVER 825 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 85 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
85
Avg Mileage
78,835 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 ROVER 825 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.
At 27 years old, 75% of ROVER 825s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 85 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,835 miles.
How does the 1997 ROVER 825 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 ROVER 825 has 78,835 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.
Best year to buy a ROVER 825?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 75%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1997 ROVER 825 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 825 by Year
Checking a specific ROVER 825?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 ROVER 825
The 1997 ROVER 825 is a large car with a 2497cc petrol engine. 85 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 78,835 miles at 27 years old, ROVER 825 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.
1997 ROVER 825 Fuel Costs
The 2497cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 ROVER 825?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
ROVER 825 Reliability Trend
Newer ROVER 825s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 ROVER 825
At 27 years old, the ROVER 825 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. Note: with only 85 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 ROVER 825
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-8%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (+2%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 7,815 tests
- MERCEDES SLK (1999) 79% pass rate (+4%) from 4,295 tests