Used car guide

2005 Rover 45: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Rover 45s, from 170 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 170 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

170MOT tests in 2025
57%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
3,600typical miles a year
3.5×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Rover 45s than on all cars registered in 2005.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.5× usual
    Rover 45
    21.2% All 2005 cars
    6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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 2005 Rover 45 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    44% 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
    34% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    28% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    15% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    14% 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.

Looking at a Rover 45?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004342Suspension 41%
2003307Suspension 46%
2002269Suspension 43%
2001244Suspension 42%
2000177Suspension 47%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Rover 45s registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score