MINI Cooper S

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 21 model years from 176,673 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

84%

Total Tests

176,673

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (93%)

Years Covered

About the MINI Cooper S

The MINI Cooper S was MOT tested 176,673 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 21 model years (2002 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 84%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list hybrid and petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93% from 22,000 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 71%. With a 22 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer MINI Cooper Ss pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2002) averages 100,344 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 17,134 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,086

Per month£174/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2022 details

How reliable is the MINI Cooper S?

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

vs MINI brand average+0% (84% avg)

Best to worst year spread22 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

MINI Cooper S by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	97%	1,304	17,134 mi
2021	93%	22,000	21,733 mi
2020	93%	21,814	26,028 mi
2019	92%	33,682	31,800 mi
2018	92%	19,933	37,784 mi
2017	91%	19,240	45,465 mi
2016	90%	18,702	52,888 mi
2015	89%	16,363	61,373 mi
2014	88%	11,315	63,437 mi
2013	86%	4,950	68,666 mi
2012	85%	2,450	69,335 mi
2011	86%	760	74,478 mi
2010	79%	597	76,322 mi
2009	78%	641	75,827 mi
2008	79%	624	88,922 mi
2007	81%	623	87,543 mi
2006	71%	446	89,871 mi
2005	75%	464	92,109 mi
2004	76%	357	97,833 mi
2003	75%	314	103,971 mi
2002	77%	94	100,344 mi

Questions about the MINI Cooper S

Is the MINI Cooper S reliable?

Across its 21 model years in our data (2002 to 2022), the MINI Cooper S averages an 84% MOT pass rate, from 176,673 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. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 93%.

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

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 MINI Cooper S has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 71%, a 22 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.