1998 Rover 214 1.4L Petrol · S421 BJK
1998 Rover 214 (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 116,096 miles. MOT valid until 19 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- ROVER 214
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 116,096 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S421 BJK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/12/2025
- 116,096 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S421 BJK 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 1998 Rover 214 (S421 BJK) between November 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 11 December 2025 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: Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”.
S421 BJK Mileage History
- 24/11/2022111,461 mi
- 24/11/2023113,140 mi+1,679 mi
- 20/11/2024114,700 mi+1,560 mi
- 28/11/2025115,908 mi+1,208 mi
- 11/12/2025116,096 mi+188 mi
Average of roughly 1,521 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to recent mecha
When viewing this specific Rover, your primary focus should be on the oil leaks noted in the December 2025 MOT. You should ask the seller for evidence of any recent repairs intended to address the engine and gearbox leaks. A leak from the gearbox specifically can sometimes indicate seal failure, which may be more costly to rectify than a simple engine gasket issue.
Additionally, investigate the cause of the exhaust Lambda reading failure recorded in November 2025. This relates to the fuel-air mixture and could indicate issues with the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter. Ensure that the vehicle's recent passing of the MOT in December 2025 included a verification that these specific issues were addressed or monitored, rather than just noted as non-excessive.
As a 1.4-litre petrol vehicle, the Rover 214 is generally positioned in a lower insurance group and tax band, making it relatively economical for a car of this era. Fuel economy will depend heavily on the condition of the exhaust system and engine tuning following the recent Lambda reading failure.
Maintenance costs for a 28-year-old vehicle can be unpredictable. While parts for this model are generally affordable, the recent appearance of oil leaks suggests that upcoming maintenance may include gasket replacements or seal repairs. Expect annual running costs to include standard servicing, MOT fees, and a contingency fund for older vehicle component wear.
A thorough inspection of the engine bay is essential to identify the source of the oil leak mentioned in the 2025 MOT history. Look for signs of fresh oil around the rocker cover, sump, or timing belt area. Because the MOT also noted a 'not excessive' leak from the gearbox, check the area where the gearbox meets the engine for any weeping or residue.
Check the underside of the car for any signs of heavy oil accumulation which could indicate the leak is worsening. Finally, ensure the exhaust system is intact and that there are no unusual smells or smoke from the tailpipe, which could relate to the Lambda reading issue recorded in November 2025.
This 1998 Rover 214, finished in green, has covered 116,096 miles since its first registration in August 1998. The vehicle maintained a clean MOT record from 2022 through 2024, but the most recent testing cycle in late 2025 has introduced concerns regarding oil leaks. The mileage is consistent with a vehicle of this age, but the recent failure and subsequent advisories suggest a change in mechanical status.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Rover 214 to provide a comparative benchmark.
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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