MINI Cooper (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 114 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1270cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1270cc27 years old114 tests17k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1270cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

84% of MOT tests on MINI Coopers from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 114 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 17,301 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models64th of 361(top 18%)

Rank among MINI models203rd of 335(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+9%(75% avg)

vs MINI average+0%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

17,301

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 MINI Cooper had 17,301 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1999 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MINI Cooper by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-13%

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-16%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-11%

Honda Civic

2001 · 1590cc Petrol

£2,228/year

70%

-14%

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About the 1999 MINI Cooper

The 1999 MINI Cooper is a small family car. Our records list a 1270cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 114 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 17,301 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI Cooper owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1999 MINI Cooper Fuel Costs

The 1270cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 MINI Cooper?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MINI Cooper 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.

Buying a Used 1999 MINI Cooper

At 27 years old, the MINI Cooper is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1999 MINI Cooper stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
MINI Cooper(1999)	84%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£120
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£395
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£295
Honda Civic(2001)	70%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£195

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 MINI Cooper

Is the 1999 MINI Cooper reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1999 MINI Coopers ended in a pass, from 114 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 MINI Cooper cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 MINI Cooper?

84% of 114 MOT tests on the 1999 MINI Cooper ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 64th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 18%).

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% and the 2002 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 MINI Cooper?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 MINI Cooper is 17,301 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.