Used car guide

1992 Rover 216: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Rover 216 first registered in 1992: we looked at the 156 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 156 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

156MOTs of 1992 cars, done in 2023–2025
69%pass first time (all 1992 cars: 69%)
2,600typical miles a year
33%had suspension flagged

Common 1992 Rover 216 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1992 Rover 216 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    33% 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
    25% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    21% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    14% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    13% 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 1992 Rover 216

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Rover 216?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Rover 216 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1999138Brakes 30%
1998372Brakes 36%
1997276Suspension 38%
1996212Suspension 31%
1995364Suspension 31%
1994271Suspension 32%
1993227Suspension 33%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Rover 216 cars first registered in 1992. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score