2003 Rover Streetwise petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Rover Streetwise first registered in 2003 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 172 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 172 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 Rover Streetwise petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Rover Streetwise petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Suspension28% 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.
- Brakes23% 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 electrics20% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints16% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Exhaust and emissions13% 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 an engine warning light.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Rover Streetwise petrol
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 Streetwise?
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 Streetwise compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | – | Too few tests |
| 2005 | 197 | Suspension 38% |
| 2004 | 761 | Suspension 35% |
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 Streetwise cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score