Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III (1989-1998) reliability
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III built before 2000: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III models built before 2000 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 377 tests of Silver Spirit models registered 1989-1998.
Silver Spirit II/III fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the Silver Spirit II/III compares
At each age below, see how the Silver Spirit II/III holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 1,722 tests across 8 Rolls-Royce models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Axles & Wheels
Worth checkingInspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Silver Spirit II/III.
- 1
Nissan Skyline
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.8%
- Dangerous
- 2.1%
Lower fail rate: 10.7%, against 12.7% for the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III, both built before 2000.
1,007 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Saab 9-3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 26.9%
No clear edge over the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,327 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
BMW 3 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 22.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.8%
No clear edge over the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III on these figures.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
17,892 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
BMW 5 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 82.6%
No clear edge over the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III on these figures.
12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,939 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on Silver Spirit II/III cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 209 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 16% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
Most common issues on Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit models of this age
This list covers every Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Silver Spirit II/III on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 121.1%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 211.2%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 37.0%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 45.6%Advisory
Wheel bearing has slight play
- 54.9%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
Based on 712 tests
Looking at a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II/III (1989-1998) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 377 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.