2002 Rover 45 · 1,572 MOT tests
2002 Rover 45 reliability
2002 Rover 45s fail 43.8% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 4 45 years (1,572 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Rover 45s: 43.9%)
- 43.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Rover 45s: 43.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 71,566
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,572
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.8% of tests fail here (118% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 22% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Rover 45
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.3%
- Body, chassis and structure16.9%
- Lights and electrics13.9%
- Brakes13%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.6%
- Seat belts and airbags5.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 9.03%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.23%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 5.03%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.33%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 4.13%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Exhaust has major gas leak 4.01%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.04%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.98%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.02%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.83%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.67%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.82%)
Other years
Every Rover 45 year
The full picture: Rover 45 reliability. Before you pay for any Rover 45, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2002 Rover 45 reliable?
2002 Rover 45s fail 43.8% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 4 45 years (1,572 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Rover 45 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (9.03% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.23% of tests), stop lamp not working (5.03% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Rover 45 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Rover 45 shows 71,566 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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