1995 Rover 216: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Rover 216?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Rover 216 than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Steering rack inner joints5.1× usual
  Rover 216

  14.3% All 1995 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.6× usual
  Rover 216

  14% All 1995 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.6% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.8× usual
  Rover 216

  12.4% All 1995 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.7% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 1995 Rover 216 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Rover 216 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  31% 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.

• 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
  22% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• Tyres
  21% 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.

• Steering
  18% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Rover 216

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

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 1995 Rover 216 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 1995 Rover 216 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1995 Rover 216 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?