How much does a 2008 MINI COOPER cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

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

The 2008 MINI COOPER has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 1,495 tests in 2026. This ranks 350 out of 589 cars from 2008.

Which year MINI COOPER is most reliable?

The 2022 MINI COOPER has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 65%.

MINI COOPER (2008)

Q: Is the 2008 MINI COOPER reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MINI COOPERs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,495 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2008 MINI COOPER?

The average mileage for a 2008 MINI COOPER is 92,691 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,495 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £1957/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

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1600cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,957

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/wk

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

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Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 18 years old, 74% of MINI COOPERs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,495 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,691 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars350th of 589(top 59%)

Rank among MINI models299th 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

92,691

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 MINI COOPER has 92,691 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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?

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%.

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

£1,722/year

72%

-2%

FORD FOCUS

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

74%

same

VAUXHALL CORSA

2010 · 1398cc Petrol

£1,722/year

74%

same

NISSAN QASHQAI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,027/year

67%

-7%

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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 2026, 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 18 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 £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 MINI COOPER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MINI COOPER(2008)	74%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1957
FORD FIESTA(2008)	72%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
FORD FOCUS(2009)	74%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
VAUXHALL CORSA(2010)	74%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
NISSAN QASHQAI(2010)	67%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£2027+£70

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.