2004 Rover 45 · 1,898 MOT tests
2004 Rover 45 reliability
2004 Rover 45s fail 43.9% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 4 45 years (1,898 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Rover 45s: 43.9%)
- 43.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Rover 45s: 43.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 73,714
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,898
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 17.3% of tests fail here (128% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 55% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Rover 45
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.7%
- Body, chassis and structure17.3%
- Suspension15.3%
- Brakes12.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.3%
- Tyres6.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 8.64%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 7.27%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.53%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.74%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Position lamp not working 3.64%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.53%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.23%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (13.01%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.12%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (8.75%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.69%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.69%)
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 2004 Rover 45 reliable?
2004 Rover 45s fail 43.9% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 4 45 years (1,898 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Rover 45 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (8.64% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (7.27% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.53% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Rover 45 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Rover 45 shows 73,714 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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