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R656 SOJ

1997 Rover Mini

Multi-colour Petrol 1275cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires13 Mar 2027
Tests23 (19 pass, 4 fail)
Pass rate82.6%

Mileage

33,379 mi
Last recorded33,379 miles
Recorded on4 Mar 2026
Typical for 1997 Rover Mini51,557 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR656 SOJ
MakeRover
ModelMini
Year1997
ColourMulti-colour
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,275cc

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MOT History

19 pass 4 fail
Pass 4 Mar 2026 33,379 miles
Pass 14 Mar 2025 32,851 miles

Engine mounting damaged but not to excess (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Pass 19 Jan 2024 32,072 miles
Fail 22 Dec 2023 32,072 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Pass 29 Jul 2021 31,992 miles
Pass 28 Jul 2020 31,939 miles
Pass 18 Jul 2019 31,848 miles
Pass 24 Jul 2018 31,468 miles
Pass 26 Jul 2017 31,010 miles
Fail 25 Jul 2017 31,010 miles

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm attachment bracket/mounting insecure (2.4.G.1)

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

Pass 27 Jul 2016 30,228 miles
Fail 27 Jul 2016 30,228 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Pass 27 Jul 2015 29,813 miles
Pass 30 Jul 2014 29,214 miles
Pass 24 Jul 2013 28,470 miles
Pass 13 Jul 2012 27,292 miles
Pass 14 Jul 2011 26,039 miles
Pass 15 Jul 2010 24,748 miles
Pass 9 Jul 2009 23,844 miles
Pass 16 Jul 2008 22,260 miles
Pass 31 Jul 2007 21,976 miles
Fail 31 Jul 2007 21,976 miles

Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Pass 30 May 2006 21,586 miles

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

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R656 SOJ is a 1997 Rover Mini in Multi-colour with a 1,275cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 23 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 82.6%.

Across all 1997 Rover Mini models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.4% with a typical mileage of 51,557 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

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 R656 SOJ, 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 29 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 R656 SOJ?

You can check the full history of R656 SOJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R656 SOJ registered?

R656 SOJ is a 1997 Rover Mini, first registered on 21 November 1997.

Is R656 SOJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for R656 SOJ shows 23 tests with a 82.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R656 SOJ 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 R656 SOJ. 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.