1991 Rover Metro
Browse our directory of 1991 Rover Metro vehicles. Access instant MOT history reports, tax status, and reliability insights for any registration listed below.
Registration Directory
Showing registrations 1–40 of 200 for the 1991 Rover Metro. Select any plate for an instant vehicle history check.
Common Problems & Reliability
The 1991 Rover Metro has 3 known issues. 2 of these are classified as serious faults that could be expensive to repair. 1 are moderate concerns worth inspecting before purchase.
Hydragas Suspension Depressurisation and Fluid Pipe Corrosion
SeriousThe Rover Metro replaced the Austin Metro's harsh, separate suspension units with interconnected front-to-rear Alex Moulton Hydragas displacers and interconnected fluid pipes. Over time, the internal nitrogen gas charge in the displacer spheres gradually permeates through the rubber diaphragm, and external steel connection pipes rot in British winter salt. This causes the car to sag onto its bump stops, ruining the ride quality and destroying front tyre alignment. Regassing displacers requires specialist equipment and rare replacement units.
Symptoms: Abnormally low ride height with wheel arches sitting close to the tyres, Harsh, jarring ride that crashes over minor road imperfections...
Est. repair cost: £200–£500
K-Series Cylinder Head Gasket Failure (Early SPi and MPi)
SeriousThe Rover Metro debuted Rover's all-aluminium K-Series engine (1.1 8v, 1.4 8v, and 1.4 16v GTi). Early K-Series engines utilised plastic locating dowels between the cylinder block and head, a small 3.5-litre cooling capacity, and an elastomer-bead cylinder head gasket. Thermal expansion differentials and minor coolant loss quickly cause the head gasket to blow, warping the lightweight aluminium cylinder head and contaminating the engine oil with coolant.
Symptoms: White emulsified sludge ('mayonnaise') underneath the oil filler cap and on the dipstick, Oily sheen and bubbling in the translucent coolant expansion tank...
Est. repair cost: £350–£650
A-Pillar, Sill, and Rear Wheel Arch Corrosion
ModerateWhile the Rover Metro received galvanised zinc coating on certain vulnerable lower panels compared to the Austin original, British road salt takes a heavy toll on the A-pillars, lower sills, jacking points, and rear wheel arch returns. Water also penetrates behind the front wing seals and drains into the A-pillar box section, rotting the door hinge mountings and lower windscreen corners. Structural rust in these zones is a primary cause of MOT failure.
Symptoms: Blistering and bubbling paint along the rear arch lips and lower sills, Rust perforations around the front A-pillar door hinge anchor points...
Est. repair cost: £250–£600
Buying Tips for the 1991 Rover Metro
- Inspect the ride height on all four corners; a sagging stance indicates depressurised Hydragas displacers or leaking pipes.
- Check the oil filler cap and coolant expansion bottle for milky sludge indicating K-Series cylinder head gasket failure.
- Examine the front A-pillars, lower sills, and rear wheel arch returns for bubbling paint or structural rot.
- Listen for noisy valvetrain clatter on cold startup; worn hydraulic tappets or neglected oil changes cause severe top-end wear.
- Test the five-speed Peugeot-designed manual gearbox for clean engagement in second gear and absence of differential bearing whine.
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