Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1998 Rover 620 Sli?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1998 Rover 620 Sli?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1998 Rover 620 Sli?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1998 Rover 620 Sli?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

CarHunch

Get Started

Rover 620 Sli (1998)

146 real MOT outcomes analysed • 0.4% first-time pass rate

1998 Rover 620 Sli

CarHunch analysed 146 real MOT records for the 1998 Rover 620 Sli. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1998 Rover 620 SLI is a significant reliability concern: only 40% pass their MOT first time, well below the UK average of 80%, and petrol versions show a catastrophic 0% pass rate in this cohort. While dangerous defects are absent (0%), the sheer scale of failure across 146 vehicles tested suggests systemic issues rather than isolated problems.

With an average mileage of just 67,047 miles for a 26-year-old car, these examples are relatively low-mileage but still failing their tests at an alarming rate, pointing to age-related deterioration rather than wear. If you're considering one, budget for immediate remedial work before purchase and factor in recurring MOT failures—this isn't a reliable classic.

Below average reliability 79.6% below UK average

0.4%

pass MOT first time

UK average: ~80%

ever had a dangerous defect

recorded at any MOT

0.03

avg MOT failures per car

over 1.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1998 Rover 620 Sli

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Rover 620 Sli

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection

Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (99%)	145	0%	0
Other (1%)	1	58.3%	5

MOT History Averages

1.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.03

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Rover 620 Sli?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

Other model years — Rover 620 Sli:

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997