2001 Rover 25 1.4L Petrol · EF51 AYK
2001 Rover 25 (1.4L, petrol). First registered 21/11/2001. Recorded mileage 96,008 miles. MOT valid until 27/11/2026. Taxed until 01/09/2026.
- Make & Model
- ROVER 25
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27/11/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/09/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 96,008 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1396cc
EF51 AYK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/11/2025
- 96,008 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Rover Rover 25
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
EF51 AYK Mileage History
- 24/11/202391,134 mi
- 24/11/202391,136 mi+2 mi
- 22/11/202493,397 mi+2,261 mi
- 04/11/202595,970 mi+2,573 mi
- 10/11/202596,008 mi+38 mi
Average of roughly 2,483 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
EF51 AYK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Rover 25 (EF51 AYK) between November 2023 and November 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 10 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (6 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (”; “Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless the price is exceptionally low. While the mileage is moderate for the age, a history of persistent structural corrosion and mechanical neglect suggests a vehicle nearing the end of life.
When inspecting this Rover, a thorough check of the chassis is mandatory. The MOT history repeatedly notes noted corrosion on the nearside rear structure and brake pipes; check for deep scaling or bubbling paint that might indicate structural integrity issues. You should also inspect the front suspension area, as the CV boots have been a frequent point of failure leading to failures.
Ask for a full service history to see if the noted oil leaks and coolant leaks have been addressed. Given the history of 'dangerous' tyre treads and thin brake pads, ensure the current tyres and brakes have plenty of life left. If the corrosion is progressing beyond a surface level, consider that the car may fail its next MOT on structural grounds shortly after.
The 1.4cc petrol engine is relatively fuel-efficient, likely achieving between 35-40 MPG depending on driving conditions. Tax falls into a low band, and insurance is generally affordable for this age and type of hatchback.
Maintenance costs are typically low as parts are plentiful, but you should budget for frequent repairs given the recurring oil and coolant leaks noted in history. Estimated annual running cost is approximately £700-£900, including fuel, tax, insurance, and basic maintenance.
Focus heavily on the rear sills and wheel arches for structural rust, as the MOT history has flagged corrosion in these areas multiple times since 2020. Check the brake lines for corrosion, especially near the fuel tank, which was a noted failure failure point.
Examine the front CV boots and anti-roll bar bushes. The CV boots have failed multiple times; if they are currently torn or greasy, the joint needs replacement. Also, check for signs of oil and coolant leaks under the engine, as these have been persistent issues throughout the last five years.
This 2001 Rover 25 has covered nearly 100,000 miles, which is consistent with its 25-year age. However, the MOT history reveals a recurring pattern of failures and advisories regarding structural corrosion in the rear, brake pipe, and CV boot failures. Although it recently passed its MOT test, the ongoing advisories for rust and mechanical wear indicate a car that requires significant preventative maintenance.
The Rover 25 is known for its comfort but the early K-Series engines are prone to rust and electrical issues if not maintained regularly.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: ROVER 25
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure (HGF)(Serious)
The 1.1, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 engines are all prone to gasket failure due to plastic dowels and a small coolant capacity.
- Rusting Rear Arches(Moderate)
Water gets trapped behind the lip of the rear wheel arches, causing rust to rot through from the inside.
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