MINI Cooper S (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,450 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1900cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1900cc14 years old2,450 tests69k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1900cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/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

85% 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.

85% of MOT tests on MINI Cooper Ss from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 2,450 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 69,335 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models243rd of 650(top half)

Rank among MINI models175th of 335(bottom half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+7%(78% avg)

vs MINI average+1%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

69,335

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 MINI Cooper S had 69,335 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 scores 85%. 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

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-7%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-13%

Mercedes C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

79%

-6%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-5%

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About the 2012 MINI Cooper S

The 2012 MINI Cooper S is a family car. Our records list a 1900cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,450 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 69,335 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI Cooper S owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2012 MINI Cooper S Fuel Costs

The 1900cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2012 MINI Cooper S?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2012 MINI Cooper S

At 14 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 14 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.

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 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(2012)	85%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Mercedes C(2012)	79%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511+£150
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283

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 S

Is the 2012 MINI Cooper S reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2012 MINI Cooper Ss ended in a pass, from 2,450 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

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

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 S?

85% of 2,450 MOT tests on the 2012 MINI Cooper S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 243rd of 650 models first registered in 2012 (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 2012 MINI Cooper S?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 MINI Cooper S is 69,335 miles, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.