Used car guide

2000 Rover 45: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2000 Rover 45s, from 177 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 177 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

177MOT tests in 2025
63%pass first time (all 2000 cars: 63%)
3,100typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2000 Rover 45s than on all cars registered in 2000.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usual
    Rover 45
    19.2% All 2000 cars
    8.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 4.3% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2000 Rover 45 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    47% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    37% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    27% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    25% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    21% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005170Suspension 44%
2004342Suspension 41%
2003307Suspension 46%
2002269Suspension 43%
2001244Suspension 42%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2000 Rover 45s registered in 2000. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score