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Rover 25 reliability by build year

Coverage 1999-20051 named generationHatchbackPETROL

We've only got 591 MOT tests for Rover 25 models built around 2003 (22 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Rover 25 built around 2003: about average at the MOT

Rover 25 models built around 2003 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Rover 25 by number plate

Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Rover 25 models built around 2003 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Rover 25 models built around 2003 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Rover 25's most common MOT issues, turned into things to 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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 25's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

25 R3 (facelift)

R3 (facelift) (1999-2005)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROL

26.9% fail rate, built around 2003 (22 years old)

Likely between 23.5% and 30.6%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 30.7%)

From 591 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Rover 25.

See every build year for the Rover 25

By age

Rover 25 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Rover 25 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
14231.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
48427.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
53427.5%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
59126.9%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
54329.3%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
53028.5%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
22031.4%

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 19 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 22-year-old Rover 25 models

These issues come from 22-year-old Rover 25 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    22.3%
    Advisory: 180Fail: 14 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously

    13.2%
    Advisory: 100Fail: 29 (22% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    12.7%
    Advisory: 76Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    12.3%
    Advisory: 98Fail: 5 (5% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    10.8%
    Advisory: 97Fail: 12 (11% of the times it was found)

Based on 591 MOT tests on 22-year-old Rover 25 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 22-year-old Rover 25 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Tyres23%
  2. Brakes + Suspension20%
  3. Suspension + Tyres18%
  4. Body & structure + Suspension16%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 337 MOT tests on Rover 25 cars built around 2003 (22 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Rover 25.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Rover 25 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.2%

    Lower fail rate: 23.2%, against 26.9% for the Rover 25, both built around 2003.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,619 MOT tests on cars built around 2003

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Rover 25 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    12,474 MOT tests on cars built around 2003

  3. 3

    Renault Clio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    33.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.9%

    No clear edge over the Rover 25 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    4,566 MOT tests on cars built around 2003

  4. 4

    Volkswagen Golf

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.9%

    No clear edge over the Rover 25 on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,899 MOT tests on cars built around 2003

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2003 (22 years old), the Rover 25 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 591 22-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Rover 25 ever sold: 3,044 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2003 (22 years old): 591 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.