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R251 ETM

1998 Rover Mini

Bronze Petrol 1275cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires18 Jun 2026
Tests28 (16 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate57.1%

Mileage

83,168 mi
Last recorded83,168 miles
Recorded on3 Jun 2026
Typical for 1998 Rover Mini49,150 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR251 ETM
MakeRover
ModelMini
Year1998
ColourBronze
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,275cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

16 pass 12 fail
Fail 3 Jun 2026 83,168 miles

Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn both n/s and o/s (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn both n/s and o/s outer swinging arm bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced floor pan (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

middle heat shield insecure

Pass 19 Jun 2025 82,741 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 9 May 2024 82,293 miles

Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play both n/s and o/s (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 2 May 2024 82,277 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting sill - floor (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play both n/s and o/s (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 17 May 2023 81,190 miles
Fail 26 Apr 2023 81,183 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Nearside Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting floor 30cm from seat mount (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Pass 21 Apr 2022 81,067 miles
Pass 19 Jan 2021 81,000 miles
Fail 7 Jan 2021 81,000 miles

Battery insecure and likely to cause a short circuit (4.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect knicking off the wrong way (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen (3.5 (a))

Electrical wiring insulation in such a condition there is an imminent risk of fire or formation of sparks (4.11 (c) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 13 Aug 2019 80,821 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement radius (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 26 Jul 2019 80,821 miles

Electrical wiring insecure and connectors likely to become disconnected battery terminals (4.11 (a) (ii))

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.4.3 (b))

Offside Rear Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.3.3 (b))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement radius (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 25 Jul 2018 80,358 miles
Fail 20 Jul 2018 80,357 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Upper Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Fail 9 Apr 2018 80,356 miles

Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded f;oor (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

Offside Rear rear parking (secondary) brakes imbalanced (3.7.B.6b)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Pass 12 Apr 2017 78,098 miles
Fail 12 Apr 2017 78,096 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Fail 29 Mar 2017 78,096 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Front registration plate missing (6.3.1a)

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Nearside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover missing (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a)

Nearside Front Upper Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front Upper Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 7 Jan 2016 77,373 miles

Centre Stop lamp has light sources not illuminating, but not more than 50% (1.2.1b)

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 12 Jan 2015 75,593 miles

Nearside Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 21 Jan 2014 74,427 miles

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Fuel pipes corroded by filter

front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Fail 7 Jan 2014 74,426 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Indicator tell tale inoperative (1.4.A.2a)

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

Offside Front Brake actuating linkage mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (3.3.A.2)

Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Fuel pipes corroded by filter

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Radius arm has slight play in a pin bearing (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Rear front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Pass 10 Sep 2010 74,189 miles

front number plate cracked

fuel cap seal perished

slight lump in off side rear tyre

Pass 14 Aug 2009 72,258 miles
Fail 14 Aug 2009 77,258 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Pass 3 Jun 2008 70,133 miles
Pass 11 Jun 2007 64,628 miles
Pass 21 Jun 2006 56,022 miles
Fail 20 Jun 2006 56,022 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

How Reliable is the Rover Mini?

Based on 519,169 MOT tests across 45,631 vehicles.

66.8%
Pass Rate
876
Miles/Year
47
Year Lifespan
45,631
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 32,036
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 24,016
Steering rack gaiter split 21,375
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded 18,460
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 18,348
Full Rover Mini reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

R251 ETM is a 1998 Rover Mini in Bronze with a 1,275cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.1%.

Across all 1998 Rover Mini models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.0% with a typical mileage of 49,150 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Rover Mini fails its MOT is subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, accounting for 32,036 recorded failures. If you're considering buying R251 ETM, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Rover Mini typically stays on UK roads for around 47 years. At 28 years old, this Rover Mini is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of R251 ETM?

You can check the full history of R251 ETM by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R251 ETM registered?

R251 ETM is a 1998 Rover Mini, first registered on 20 May 1998.

Is R251 ETM safe to buy?

The MOT history for R251 ETM shows 28 tests with a 57.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R251 ETM have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on R251 ETM. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.