1998 Rover 214: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Rover 214?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Rover 214 than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Tyre condition2× usual
  Rover 214

  22.6% All 1998 cars

  11.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2.6% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

Common 1998 Rover 214 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Rover 214 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  32% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Rover 214

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1998 Rover 214 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?