2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Rover 25 MOT pass rate and common faults

560 MOT tests in 2024. 60.4% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time60.4%
Failed or needed repairs39.6%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 560 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt9.1%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.9%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.6%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.4%
    24 marked dangerous
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.9%
  7. Stop lamp: not working2.9%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.3%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics25.2%
  2. Body & chassis16.6%
  3. Brakes8.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.9%
  5. Tyres7.7%
  6. Emissions & leaks7.3%
  7. Suspension7.0%
  8. Steering5.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.8%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened10.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases7.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2003 25All 25 years2005 25 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Rover 25?

In 2024, 60.4% of 2004 Rover 25 cars passed their MOT first time, across 560 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Rover 25?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Rover 25 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).