1998 Rover MINI 1.3L Petrol · S898 EOJ
1998 Rover MINI (1.3L, petrol). First registered 28 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 2,364 miles. MOT expired on 18 Mar 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- ROVER MINI
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Mar 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 2,364 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
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.
S898 EOJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/03/2025
- 2,364 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S898 EOJ 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 Mini (S898 EOJ) between March 2023 and March 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 12 March 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: Brakes (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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: “Emissions unable to be completed temp gauge to high (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Service brake has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (ii))”.
S898 EOJ Mileage History
- 08/03/20231,847 mi
- 14/03/20242,039 mi+192 mi
- 14/03/20242,040 mi+1 mi
- 11/03/20252,364 mi+324 mi
- 12/03/20252,364 mi
Average of roughly 257 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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.
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 extreme caution. While the exceptionally low mileage is attractive, the MOT history reveals significant patterns of neglect regarding safety-critical components.
If you are looking for a classic Mini project, this could be a solid base due to the incredibly low mileage, but do not assume it is 'turn-key' ready. You must verify that all previous MOT failures—particularly the dangerous seatbelt and seat security issues from 2022—have been professionally rectified and are not just 'passed' on paper.
Negotiate heavily based on the recent history of mechanical neglect. Ask for a full service history to see if the oil leaks noted in 2015 and the cooling issues noted in 2025 have been addressed. Given the 'non-cat' engine advisory, ensure you are comfortable with the emissions implications for your local driving area.
Running costs for a classic 1275cc Mini are generally low due to its simplicity and parts availability. Fuel economy will be modest, typical for a carburetted or early fuel-injected small engine of this era.
Insurance groups for classic Minis are usually low, but check specifically for this 1275cc variant. Maintenance costs can vary; while parts are cheap, the MOT history suggests this specific car may require more frequent attention to brakes, suspension, and cooling components to remain roadworthy.
First, inspect the interior thoroughly. The 2022 MOT recorded 'Dangerous' failures for insecure driver and passenger seats, as well as detached rear seatbelts; ensure these are now rock-solid. Check the braking system, as the history shows a pattern of imbalanced brakes, deteriorated hoses, and even a total loss of braking effort in 2024.
Under the bonnet, check the cooling system. The 2025 failure noted a high temperature preventing emissions testing, which suggests potential radiator or thermostat issues. Finally, inspect the steering rack gaiters and suspension components, as these have been flagged as missing or worn in previous tests.
This 1998 Rover Mini is a rare find in terms of mileage, having covered only 2,364 miles in nearly 28 years. However, the MOT history is concerning, showing several 'Dangerous' failures related to seatbelts, seat security, and braking systems. The vehicle also features a non-catalytic engine, which is noted in multiple inspections, and has experienced issues ranging from steering rack gaiters to overheating.
Classic Minis are known for being mechanically simple but require diligent maintenance to prevent rust and component degradation, especially when left stationary for long periods.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (S898 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as S898EOJ.
TOYOTA
AVENSIS
CHRYSLER-JEEP
CHEROKEE
VAUXHALL
ARENA
FORD
FIESTA
MITSUBISHI
SHOGUN
HOLIDA RAMBLER
MOTORHOME
HARLEY DAVIDSON
FXDX
HONDA
VFR800 FI
SUBARU
IMPREZA
NISSAN
PATROL
FORD
TRANSIT
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.