1992 Rover Metro: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Rover Metro first registered in 1992: we looked at the 244 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 244 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1992 Rover Metro MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1992 Rover Metro MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension18% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions17% 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.
- Lights and electrics14% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rust and bodywork13% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Driveshafts and joints9% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1992 Rover Metro
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Rover Metro?
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 Metro compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | 497 | Brakes 26% |
| 1993 | 300 | Exhaust and emissions 20% |
| 1991 | 286 | Exhaust and emissions 23% |
| 1990 | 268 | Exhaust and emissions 16% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
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 Metro cars first registered in 1992. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score