MINI Cooper S (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 94 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc24 years old94 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

77% of MOT tests on MINI Cooper Ss from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 94 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 100,344 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models129th of 391(top half)

Rank among MINI models276th of 335(bottom 18%)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average+4%(73% avg)

vs MINI average-7%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,344

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 MINI Cooper S had 100,344 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 93%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2002 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MINI Cooper S by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-6%

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-8%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-6%

Volkswagen Polo

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-10%

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About the 2002 MINI Cooper S

The 2002 MINI Cooper S is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 94 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 100,344 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI Cooper S owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 MINI Cooper S Fuel Costs

The 1598cc 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 2002 MINI Cooper S?

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 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MINI Cooper S 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.

Buying a Used 2002 MINI Cooper S

At 24 years old, the MINI Cooper S 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 93%. Note: with only 94 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

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

Watch out

With an average of 100k 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 2002 MINI Cooper S 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 S(2002)	77%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£200
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Volkswagen Polo(2004)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£125

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 2002 MINI Cooper S

Is the 2002 MINI Cooper S reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2002 MINI Cooper Ss ended in a pass, from 94 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 MINI Cooper S 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 2002 MINI Cooper S?

77% of 94 MOT tests on the 2002 MINI Cooper S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 129th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top half).

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% and the 2006 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 MINI Cooper S?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 MINI Cooper S is 100,344 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.