MINI Cooper D (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,629 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,794

£150/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Diesel

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £1,794/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1600cc14 years old3,629 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1600cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

82% 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.

82% of MOT tests on MINI Cooper Ds from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 3,629 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 90,826 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models314th of 650(top half)

Rank among MINI models222nd of 335(bottom half)

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

vs 2012 models average+4%(78% avg)

vs MINI average-2%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

90,826

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 MINI Cooper D had 90,826 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2012 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MINI Cooper D by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	85%	142	92,591 mi
2013	84%	5,994	86,295 mi
2012	82%	3,629	90,826 mi
2011	79%	1,461	97,540 mi
2010	74%	656	110,495 mi
2009	75%	113	104,457 mi
2008	73%	73	121,091 mi
2007	75%	57	136,229 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

-5%

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+5%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-3%

Volkswagen Polo

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,644/year

80%

-2%

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About the 2012 MINI Cooper D

The 2012 MINI Cooper D is a small family car. Our records list a 1600cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,629 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 90,826 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI Cooper D owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 MINI Cooper D Fuel Costs

The 1600cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 MINI Cooper D?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,794 (£150/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MINI Cooper D Reliability Trend

Newer MINI Cooper Ds pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 MINI Cooper D

At 14 years old, the MINI Cooper D 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 91k 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 2012 MINI Cooper D 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 D(2012)	82%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794same
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£433
Volkswagen Polo(2014)	80%	£1,219	£20	Grp 5-15	£1,644-£150

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 2012 MINI Cooper D

Is the 2012 MINI Cooper D reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2012 MINI Cooper Ds ended in a pass, from 3,629 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.

How much does a 2012 MINI Cooper D cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,794 a year (£150 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 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 2012 MINI Cooper D?

82% of 3,629 MOT tests on the 2012 MINI Cooper D ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 314th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).

Which year MINI Cooper D has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 MINI Cooper D has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2010 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 MINI Cooper D?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 MINI Cooper D is 90,826 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.