Rover 825 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 85 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2497cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2497cc29 years old85 tests79k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2497cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

75% of MOT tests on Rover 825s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 85 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 78,835 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models158th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Rover models69th of 153(top half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs Rover average+1%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

78,835

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Rover 825 had 78,835 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Rover 825 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	82%	156	82,325 mi
1998	85%	54	83,949 mi
1997	75%	85	78,835 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+3%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+4%

Vauxhall Astra

1999 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,761/year

69%

-6%

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About the 1997 Rover 825

The 1997 Rover 825 is a large car. Our records list a 2497cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 85 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 78,835 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 825?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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.

Buying a Used 1997 Rover 825

At 29 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.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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.

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 825 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 825(1997)	75%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Vauxhall Astra(1999)	69%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761-£127

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 825

Is the 1997 Rover 825 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1997 Rover 825s ended in a pass, from 85 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Rover 825 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 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 825?

75% of 85 MOT tests on the 1997 Rover 825 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 158th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Rover 825?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Rover 825 is 78,835 miles, 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.