Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1997 Rover 800?

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 1997 Rover 800?

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 1997 Rover 800?

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 1997 Rover 800?

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.

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Rover 800 (1997)

254 real MOT outcomes analysed • 66.8% first-time pass rate

1997 Rover 800

CarHunch analysed 254 real MOT records for the 1997 Rover 800. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 13.2% below UK average

66.8%

pass MOT first time

UK average: ~80%

96,981

typical mileage

76,378–114,781 middle half

14.2%

ever had a dangerous defect

recorded at any MOT

1.92

avg MOT failures per car

over 5.3 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1997 Rover 800

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 800

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 (93%)	237	67%	1.92
Diesel (6%)	16	64.2%	1.94
LPG (0%)	1	66.7%	1

Mileage Distribution

Most 1997 Rover 800 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

76,378

low mileage

96,981

typical

114,781

high mileage

Half of all 1997 Rover 800 vehicles fall between 76,378 and 114,781 miles.

MOT History Averages

5.3

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.92

Avg failures per vehicle

6.7

Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1997 Rover 800

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

60%

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
41.5%

Oil leak
21.8%

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
20.5%

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault
20.3%

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
20.3%

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
19%

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
17.2%

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1997. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Rover 800?

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

Other model years — Rover 800:

1995 1996 1998