Rover 820

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 1999 2.0 petrol. 15 of 65 tests failed, 23%.

Better than 69% of 1999 cars. The typical one fails 26%, across 348 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
• 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
• A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
• Exhaust system leaking or insecure
• A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
• Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value

Where it stands out against its peers

• Brakes: failed more often than 94% of 1999 cars — 60% of its 15 failed tests, where an ordinary 1999 car has 37%.
• Body and structure: failed more often than 97% of 1999 cars — 53% of its 15 failed tests, where an ordinary 1999 car has 27%.

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.

• Brakes — 60% of its failures
  • A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
  • Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value
  • Parking brake inoperative on one side
• Suspension — 53% of its failures
  • A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
  • 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 — 13% of its failures
• Lights and electrics — 20% of its failures
• Body and structure — 53% 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
  • A door will not open using the relevant control or close properly
• Seat belts and airbags — 13% of its failures