1997 Rover 414 1.4L Petrol · R976 ABD
1997 Rover 414 (1.4L, petrol). First registered 27 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 71,444 miles. MOT expired on 15 Apr 2025.
- Make & Model
- ROVER 414
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Apr 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 May 2003)
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,444 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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R976 ABD Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/04/2024
- 71,444 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R976 ABD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Rover 414 (R976 ABD) between March 2024 and April 2024.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 17 April 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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: “Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”.
R976 ABD Mileage History
- 15/03/202471,443 mi
- 17/04/202471,444 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 11 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While the mileage
Prioritise a detailed inspection of the braking system. Because the vehicle failed on both service and parking brake efficiency in March 2024, you should verify whether the components were fully replaced or merely adjusted to meet the minimum pass threshold. Request evidence of the repairs carried out between the March failure and April pass.
Given the age of this 1396cc petrol model, check the service history for timing belt replacements and coolant system flushes. Inspect the chassis and sills for corrosion, as this is a common vulnerability for vehicles of this era and make, regardless of the mileage.
The 1.4L petrol engine typically offers modest fuel economy. As a 1997 model, it will fall into an older vehicle tax bracket, and its insurance group is likely to be low, making it relatively inexpensive to keep on the road in terms of fixed costs.
Maintenance costs may be unpredictable due to the age of the vehicle and the potential difficulty in sourcing specific Rover components. Expect higher-than-average spending on preventative maintenance to keep a 29-year-old car roadworthy. The estimated annual running cost is approximately £900-£1,200.
Specifically examine the power steering pipe and hose, as 'slight seepage' was recorded in both the March failure and the April pass. Check for fluid leaks around the steering rack and under the engine bay.
Inspect the brake discs, pads, and rear drums. The March 2024 failure for both service and parking brake efficiency suggests the braking system is a primary area of concern. Additionally, check all rubber bushings and hoses for perishing, which is common for a vehicle of this age.
This red 1997 Rover 414 has a recorded mileage of 71,444 miles. The MOT history shows a failure in March 2024 due to brake efficiency and power steering seepage, which was resolved for a pass in April 2024. However, the power steering seepage remains noted as an advisory on the most recent certificate.
No aggregate MOT data is available for the Rover 414 to provide a model-wide reliability trend.
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
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