MINI COOPER S (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 314 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
314
Avg Mileage
103,971 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 2003 MINI COOPER S reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.
At 21 years old, 75% of MINI COOPER Ss from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 314 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,971 miles.
How does the 2003 MINI COOPER S compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MINI COOPER S has 103,971 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MINI COOPER S?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2003 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2003 MINI COOPER S cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MINI COOPER S?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 MINI COOPER S
The 2003 MINI COOPER S is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 314 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 103,971 miles at 21 years old, MINI COOPER S owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 MINI COOPER S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MINI COOPER S Reliability Trend
Newer MINI COOPER Ss show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 MINI COOPER S
At 21 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2003 MINI COOPER S
The MINI COOPER S is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (-2%) from 29,754 tests