Rover Maestro (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 147 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1998cc36 years old147 tests75k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Rover brand average of 74%.

82% of MOT tests on Rover Maestros from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 147 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 74,730 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models79th of 182(top half)

Rank among Rover models14th of 153(top 10%)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+3%(79% avg)

vs Rover average+8%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

74,730

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Rover Maestro had 74,730 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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 Maestro by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1994	77%	88	102,278 mi
1993	81%	74	92,547 mi
1992	88%	64	63,854 mi
1991	77%	39	100,969 mi
1990	82%	147	74,730 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-2%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+2%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+3%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

-4%

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About the 1990 Rover Maestro

The 1990 Rover Maestro is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 147 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 74,730 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover Maestro 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.

1990 Rover Maestro Fuel Costs

The 1998cc 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 1990 Rover Maestro?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1990 Rover Maestro

At 36 years old, the Rover Maestro 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 36 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.

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 1990 Rover Maestro 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 Maestro(1990)	82%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£233
Mazda MX-5(1991)	78%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83

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 1990 Rover Maestro

Is the 1990 Rover Maestro reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1990 Rover Maestros ended in a pass, from 147 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Rover Maestro cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Rover Maestro?

82% of 147 MOT tests on the 1990 Rover Maestro ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 79th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Rover Maestro?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Rover Maestro is 74,730 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.