MINI Cooper S (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 464 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1600cc21 years old464 tests92k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1600cc)

~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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.

75% of MOT tests on MINI Cooper Ss from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 464 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,109 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models225th of 504(top half)

Rank among MINI models282nd of 335(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+3%(72% avg)

vs MINI average-9%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,109

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 MINI Cooper S had 92,109 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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 2005 scores 75%. 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

Ford Focus

2007 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-2%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+5%

MINI

2007 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-2%

Renault Clio

2007 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-7%

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About the 2005 MINI Cooper S

The 2005 MINI Cooper S is a small family car. Our records list a 1600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 464 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 92,109 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI Cooper S owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 MINI Cooper S 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 £1,398 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 2005 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 75% 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 2005 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 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 92k 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 2005 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(2005)	75%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Ford Focus(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361+£133
MINI(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Renault Clio(2007)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£483

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 2005 MINI Cooper S

Is the 2005 MINI Cooper S reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2005 MINI Cooper Ss ended in a pass, from 464 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 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 2005 MINI Cooper S?

75% of 464 MOT tests on the 2005 MINI Cooper S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 225th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (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 2005 MINI Cooper S?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 MINI Cooper S is 92,109 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.