Rover Streetwise (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 123 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,153

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1396cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol1396cc23 years old123 tests79k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1396cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,153

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

77% of MOT tests on Rover Streetwises from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 123 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 78,743 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models138th of 429(top half)

Rank among Rover models46th of 153(top half)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+5%(72% avg)

vs Rover average+3%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

78,743

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Rover Streetwise had 78,743 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2003 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Rover Streetwise by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	54%	50	70,163 mi
2005	80%	132	72,953 mi
2004	72%	464	82,183 mi
2003	77%	123	78,743 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-6%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-6%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-6%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

-4%

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About the 2003 Rover Streetwise

The 2003 Rover Streetwise is a small family car. Our records list a 1396cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 123 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 78,743 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover Streetwise owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Rover Streetwise 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 2003 Rover Streetwise?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,153 (£179/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Rover Streetwise Reliability Trend

The Rover Streetwise has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2003 Rover Streetwise

At 23 years old, the Rover Streetwise 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 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 80%.

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 2003 Rover Streetwise 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 Streetwise(2003)	77%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same
Toyota Yaris(2005)	73%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same

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 2003 Rover Streetwise

Is the 2003 Rover Streetwise reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2003 Rover Streetwises ended in a pass, from 123 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Rover Streetwise cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,153 a year (£179 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 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 2003 Rover Streetwise?

77% of 123 MOT tests on the 2003 Rover Streetwise ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 138th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year Rover Streetwise has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 Rover Streetwise has the highest MOT pass rate at 80% and the 2004 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Rover Streetwise?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Rover Streetwise is 78,743 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.