Rover Metro (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 230 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1396cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1396cc36 years old230 tests52k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1396cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/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

80% 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%.

80% of MOT tests on Rover Metros from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 230 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 52,357 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models98th of 182(bottom half)

Rank among Rover models27th of 153(top 18%)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+1%(79% avg)

vs Rover average+6%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

52,357

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Rover Metro had 52,357 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 Metro by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1996	69%	36	48,435 mi
1995	82%	34	48,117 mi
1994	75%	543	50,507 mi
1993	77%	340	49,135 mi
1992	75%	284	44,004 mi
1991	67%	286	44,289 mi
1990	80%	230	52,357 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

same

Rover Mini

1990 · 998cc Petrol

£1,810/year

80%

same

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+5%

Peugeot 205

1990 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

same

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About the 1990 Rover Metro

The 1990 Rover Metro is a small family car. Our records list a 1396cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 230 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 52,357 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover Metro 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 Metro Fuel Costs

The 1396cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Metro?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Rover Metro Reliability Trend

The Rover Metro has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 Rover Metro

At 36 years old, the Rover Metro 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.

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 Metro 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 Metro(1990)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£378
Rover Mini(1990)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£223
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178+£145
Peugeot 205(1990)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033same

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 Metro

Is the 1990 Rover Metro reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 1990 Rover Metros ended in a pass, from 230 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Rover Metro cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 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 Metro?

80% of 230 MOT tests on the 1990 Rover Metro ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 98th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

Which year Rover Metro has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 Rover Metro has the highest MOT pass rate at 80% and the 1991 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Rover Metro?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Rover Metro is 52,357 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.