Rover Streetwise (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 464 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,153
£179/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£200
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1396cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.
72% of MOT tests on Rover Streetwises from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 464 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,183 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,183
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Rover Streetwise had 82,183 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Rover Streetwise by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 Rover Streetwise
The 2004 Rover Streetwise is a small family car. Our records list a 1396cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 464 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 82,183 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover Streetwise owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 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 2004 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 72% 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 2004 Rover Streetwise
At 22 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.
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 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 82k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 2004 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(2004) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153 |
| Ford Focus(2006) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£75 |
| MINI(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£75 |
| BMW 3 Series(2006) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361+£208 |
| Honda Jazz(2006) | 71% | £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 2004 Rover Streetwise
Is the 2004 Rover Streetwise reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2004 Rover Streetwises ended in a pass, from 464 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 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 2004 Rover Streetwise?
72% of 464 MOT tests on the 2004 Rover Streetwise ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 262nd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 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 2004 Rover Streetwise?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Rover Streetwise is 82,183 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Rover Models
Explore other Rover cars or similar models in the same category.
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2004 · 4601cc Petrol
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Rover 25
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Ford Focus
2006 · 1596cc Petrol
MINI
2005 · 1598cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
2006 · 1796cc Petrol
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