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Rover 216 R8 (1st gen) (1989-1994) reliability

Not enough data

Rover 216 R8 (1st gen) built before 2000: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Rover 216 R8 (1st gen) models built before 2000 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Rover 216 R8 (1st gen) right now?

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.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate1989-1994HatchbackPETROL

Based on 316 tests of 216 models registered 1989-1994.

R8 (1st gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
31623.7%

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 216 R8 (1st gen) compares

At each age below, see how the 216 R8 (1st gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 15,275 tests across 7 Rover models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateRover average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
31623.7%

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.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 216 R8 (1st gen).

  1. 1

    Ford Sierra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%

    Lower fail rate: 11.5%, against 23.7% for the Rover 216 R8 (1st gen), both built before 2000.

    3,022 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Vauxhall Nova

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.8%
    Dangerous
    2.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 23.7% for the Rover 216 R8 (1st gen), both built before 2000.

    1,003 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 23.7% for the Rover 216 R8 (1st gen), both built before 2000.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,760 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Ford Escort

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.6%
    Dangerous
    3.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.8%, against 23.7% for the Rover 216 R8 (1st gen), both built before 2000.

    10,088 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.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Rover 216 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

What has gone wrong on 216 R8 (1st gen) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 5,434 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
37%
Suspension
34%
Drivetrain
22%
Bodywork
19%
Steering
7%

Wear items

Lighting
48%
Brakes
37%
Tyres
32%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 18% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

R8 (1st gen) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Rover 216 models of this age

This list covers every Rover 216 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the R8 (1st gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    15.7%
    Advisory: 204Fail: 30 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    14.5%
    Advisory: 123Fail: 2 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.7%
    Advisory: 188Fail: 18 (9% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    10.6%
    Advisory: 68Fail: 23 (25% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    9.4%
    Advisory: 98Fail: 5 (5% of the times it was found)

Based on 842 tests

Looking at a Rover 216 R8 (1st gen) right now?

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 Rover 216 R8 (1st gen) (1989-1994) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 316 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 316 MOT tests on Rover 216 models first registered between 1989-1994. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.