ROVER MINI (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,744 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1275cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1275cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ROVER brand average of 74%.
At 35 years old, 80% of ROVER MINIs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,744 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 50,719 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
50,719
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 ROVER MINI has 50,719 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1990 model with a 80% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1991 sits between the two at 80%.
ROVER MINI by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1991 ROVER MINI
The 1991 ROVER MINI is a small family car with a 1275cc petrol engine. 2,744 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 50,719 miles at 35 years old, ROVER MINI 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.
1991 ROVER MINI Fuel Costs
The 1275cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 ROVER MINI?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 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 MINI Reliability Trend
The ROVER MINI has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 ROVER MINI
At 35 years old, the ROVER MINI 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 80%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 ROVER MINI's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 1991 ROVER MINI stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROVER MINI(1991) | 80% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£60 |
| PEUGEOT 205(1990) | 80% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£165 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1991) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| LOTUS ELAN(1991) | 77% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Rover Models
Explore other Rover cars or similar models in the same category.
ROVER 75
2004 · 4601cc Petrol
ROVER 25
2003 · 1588cc Petrol
ROVER 45
2004 · 1588cc Petrol
FORD ESCORT
1990 · 1597cc Petrol
PEUGEOT 205
1990 · 1360cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
1991 · 1597cc Petrol
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