Rover 25 R3 (facelift) (1999-2005) reliability
Rover 25 R3 (facelift) built around 2003: about average at the MOT
Rover 25 R3 (facelift) 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.
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Key figure
27% of MOT tests on Rover 25 R3 (facelift) 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 R3 (facelift) models built around 2003 involves the tyres.
Based on 3,019 tests of 25 models registered 1999-2005.
About 1 in 15 25 R3 (facelift) MOTs (6.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2003 (22 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 591 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.6% and 8.5%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 25 25 R3 (facelift) MOTs (4.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2003 (22 years old).
Based on 591 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.0% and 6.4%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
R3 (facelift) 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 25 R3 (facelift) compares
At each age below, see how the 25 R3 (facelift) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 2,654 tests across 3 Rover models, built around 2003 (22 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.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Suspension springs
Worth checkingCheck ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.
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 hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 25 R3 (facelift).
- 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 R3 (facelift), both built around 2003.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,619 MOT tests on cars built around 2003
- 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 R3 (facelift) 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
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 R3 (facelift) 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
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 R3 (facelift) 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.
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.
What has gone wrong on 25 R3 (facelift) cars built around 2003
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,766 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 9% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How 25 R3 (facelift) cars have aged
How 25 R3 (facelift) cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as R3 (facelift) cars age
How each part holds up as R3 (facelift) cars age
The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 21 years | 22 years | 23 years | 24 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 39% | 29% | 14% | 24% |
| Brakes | 35% | 39% | 38% | 43% |
| Emissions | 35% | 40% | 37% | 35% |
| Tyres | 43% | 44% | 41% | 41% |
| Lighting | 55% | 59% | 54% | 53% |
| Drivetrain | 34% | 45% | 42% | 37% |
| Bodywork | 4% | 3% | 5% | 5% |
| Steering | 10% | 3% | 3% | 3% |
| Corrosion | 11% | 9% | 8% | 10% |
Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 836 to 2,835 cars at each age.
R3 (facelift) variants compared
Most common issues on Rover 25 models of this age
This list covers every Rover 25 built around 2003, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the R3 (facelift) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 122.3%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 213.2%Advisory
Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously
- 312.7%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 412.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 510.8%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
Based on 591 tests
Looking at a Rover 25 R3 (facelift) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2003 (22 years old), the Rover 25 R3 (facelift) (1999-2005) 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.