Verdict
Rovers pass their MOT first time on 58.6% of tests, against 60.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. They beat 41% of cars on UK roads, ranking Rover 24th of 40 makes: a little below average. Every Rover tested was first registered between 1988 and 2006, so a low pass rate is expected; the comparison allows for age and mileage.
The 75 does best, beating 51% of cars: about average. The 25 beats 40%, the 45 36% and the Rover Mini (1988–2001) 33%, the weakest of the four.
Rovers fail on seat belts and airbags about 1.5 times as often as a typical car of the same age (about 1 in 23 tests), on steering and body and structure about 1.3 times, and on emissions and leaks about 1.2 times. Suspension fails on about 1 in 6 tests, about 1.2 times the typical rate; tyres fail slightly less often than typical.
Where it fails
Every Rover compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage.
Every MOT area
Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).
Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.
Rover models
Models with 20,000+ MOT tests, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate. Light vans are included and tend to grade lower, partly from hard commercial use.
| Model first registered | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 2000–2006 | 54.5% | Beats 51% | C |
| Mini 1988–2001 | 66.5% | Beats 33% | D |
| 25 2000–2005 | 57.2% | Beats 40% | C |
| 45 2000–2005 | 53.8% | Beats 36% | D |
FAQ
What is the Rover MOT pass rate?
58.6% of Rover MOT tests were passed first time, from 328,132 tests. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 60.7%, so Rover is about 2 points below average.
Is Rover reliable?
On MOT results Rover is a little below average: it beats 41% of cars on UK roads and ranks 24th of 40 makes. Only the 75 beats half of cars once age and mileage are taken into account. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.
Which Rover model is most reliable?
The 75, which beats 51% of cars on UK roads, about average.
Which Rover should I check most carefully?
The Mini, which beats about one in three cars, and the 45, which beats 36%. The 25 beats about four in ten.
What do Rovers fail the MOT on?
Lights and electrics and suspension most often, each on roughly 1 in 6 tests. Compared with typical cars of the same age, seat belts and airbags fail about 1.5 times as often and steering and body and structure about 1.3 times.