MINI Cooper (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,495 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1600cc18 years old1,495 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1600cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.

74% of MOT tests on MINI Coopers from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 1,495 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,691 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models330th of 566(bottom half)

Rank among MINI models293rd of 335(bottom 13%)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+1%(73% avg)

vs MINI average-10%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,691

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 MINI Cooper had 92,691 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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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 2008 scores 74%. 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

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

-2%

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

same

Vauxhall Corsa

2010 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

74%

same

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-7%

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About the 2008 MINI Cooper

The 2008 MINI Cooper is a small family car. Our records list a 1600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,495 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 92,691 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 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 2008 MINI Cooper?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 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 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 2008 MINI Cooper

At 18 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 93k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2008 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(2008)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Vauxhall Corsa(2010)	74%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£200

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 2008 MINI Cooper

Is the 2008 MINI Cooper reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2008 MINI Coopers ended in a pass, from 1,495 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 MINI Cooper cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 MINI Cooper?

74% of 1,495 MOT tests on the 2008 MINI Cooper ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 330th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).

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 2008 MINI Cooper?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 MINI Cooper is 92,691 miles, 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.