CarCostCheck

MINI COOPER (2008)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,495 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests (2024)

1,495

Avg Mileage

92,691 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,827

Is the 2008 MINI COOPER reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.

At 16 years old, 74% of MINI COOPERs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,495 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,691 miles.

How does the 2008 MINI COOPER compare?

Rank among all 2008 cars350th out of 589(top 59%)
Rank among all MINI models299th out of 341(top 88%)
vs national average-8% (82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average+1% (73% avg)
vs MINI average-10% (84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2008 MINI COOPER has 92,691 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Best year to buy a MINI COOPER?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2008 sits between the two at 74%.

How much does a 2008 MINI COOPER cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1600cc)
£1,137
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£1,827
Per month£152/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

MINI COOPER by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202296%2,09816,905 mi
202194%32,53220,555 mi
202093%34,51324,798 mi
201992%52,14030,727 mi
201892%55,70637,401 mi
201790%49,26045,506 mi
201690%47,46352,742 mi
201589%46,05460,514 mi
201488%34,37566,746 mi
201385%12,50166,222 mi
201285%6,52572,835 mi
201182%2,18584,424 mi
201082%1,76685,375 mi
200974%1,66887,261 mi
200874%1,49592,691 mi
200771%1,81293,206 mi
200673%91491,442 mi
200569%79096,816 mi
200469%708102,681 mi
200373%40399,443 mi
200265%30498,236 mi
200169%81102,071 mi
199984%11417,301 mi

Checking a specific MINI COOPER?

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About the 2008 MINI COOPER

The 2008 MINI COOPER is a small family car with a 1600cc petrol engine. 1,495 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 92,691 miles at 16 years old, MINI COOPER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 MINI COOPER Fuel Costs

The 1600cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2008 MINI COOPER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MINI COOPER Reliability Trend

Newer MINI COOPERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 17 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 MINI COOPER

At 16 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Alternatives to the 2008 MINI COOPER

The MINI COOPER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: