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Rover

Rover 216i (1991)

634 real MOT outcomes analysed • 64.9% first-time pass rate

1991 Rover 216i

CarHunch analysed 634 real MOT records for the 1991 Rover 216i. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 1991 Rover 216i has a below-average first-time pass rate (64.9% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ About 1 in 12 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
64.9%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
9.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.38
Over 3.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
114k
Middle half: 91k–137k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 634 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 634 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 15.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 14.3%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 13.4%
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded · Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded · Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 8.7%
Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split · Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split
Lighting 7.3%
Nearside Stop lamp not working
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Exhaust & emissions 7.1%
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1991.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 634 Rover 216i cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1991 Rover 216i

Based on MOT data from 634 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 9.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic →
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 13,377 Rover 216i vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 22.9%
3,058
Blue 21.8%
2,921
Green 16.3%
2,187
Silver 14.9%
1,996
White 9.3%
1,243
Grey 8.1%
1,080
Purple 2.8%
374
Black 1.9%
249
Multi-colour 1.1%
146
Gold 0.6%
82
Bronze 0.2%
21
Beige 0.1%
20

Mileage Distribution

Most 1991 Rover 216i vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

114,409
typical
91,144
low mileage
137,114
high mileage

Half of all 1991 Rover 216i vehicles fall between 91,144 and 137,114 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
✓ Under 91,144 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
✓ 91,144–137,114 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1991 Rover 216is sit.
⚠ Over 185,103 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

3.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.38
Avg failures per vehicle
2.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Rover 216i: All 216i years → Which year to buy? →
1989 1990 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

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Compare with another model

See how the 1991 Rover 216i stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on