MINI Cooper

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 23 model years from 385,407 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

82%

Total Tests

385,407

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (94%)

Years Covered

About the MINI Cooper

The MINI Cooper was MOT tested 385,407 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 23 model years (1999 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 82%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 32,532 tests. The 2002 model has the lowest at 65%. With a 29 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer MINI Coopers pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 16 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1999) averages 17,301 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 16,905 miles.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1499cc)

£1,401

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,856

Per month£155/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2022 details

How reliable is the MINI Cooper?

vs average of all models+0% (82% avg)

vs MINI brand average-2% (84% avg)

Best to worst year spread29 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

MINI Cooper by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	2,098	16,905 mi
2021	94%	32,532	20,555 mi
2020	93%	34,513	24,798 mi
2019	92%	52,140	30,727 mi
2018	92%	55,706	37,401 mi
2017	90%	49,260	45,506 mi
2016	90%	47,463	52,742 mi
2015	89%	46,054	60,514 mi
2014	88%	34,375	66,746 mi
2013	85%	12,501	66,222 mi
2012	85%	6,525	72,835 mi
2011	82%	2,185	84,424 mi
2010	82%	1,766	85,375 mi
2009	74%	1,668	87,261 mi
2008	74%	1,495	92,691 mi
2007	71%	1,812	93,206 mi
2006	73%	914	91,442 mi
2005	69%	790	96,816 mi
2004	69%	708	102,681 mi
2003	73%	403	99,443 mi
2002	65%	304	98,236 mi
2001	69%	81	102,071 mi
1999	84%	114	17,301 mi

Questions about the MINI Cooper

Is the MINI Cooper reliable?

Across its 23 model years in our data (1999 to 2022), the MINI Cooper averages an 82% MOT pass rate, from 385,407 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year MINI Cooper has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 MINI Cooper has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 65%, a 29 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.