Rover 211

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 1999 1.1 petrol. 14 of 53 tests failed, 26%.

Better than 47% of 1999 cars. The typical one fails 26%, across 348 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
• The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Emissions levels exceed default limits
• A tyre seriously damaged
• The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

Where it stands out against its peers

• Seat belts and airbags: failed more often than 99% of 1999 cars — 36% of its 14 failed tests, where an ordinary 1999 car has 5%.

Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.

NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Exhaust and emissions — 36% of its failures
  • Emissions levels exceed default limits
• Suspension — 29% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Tyres and wheels — 21% of its failures
  • A tyre seriously damaged
  • A brake on any wheel grabbing severely
• Lights and electrics — 21% of its failures
  • A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
• Seat belts and airbags — 36% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Body and structure — 29% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired