MINI COOPER S (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 19,933 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
19,933
Avg Mileage
37,784 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,772
Is the 2018 MINI COOPER S reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MINI brand average of 84%.
At 6 years old, 92% of MINI COOPER Ss from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 19,933 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 37,784 miles.
How does the 2018 MINI COOPER S compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 MINI COOPER S has 37,784 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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 2018 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2018 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 2018 MINI COOPER S
The 2018 MINI COOPER S is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 19,933 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 37,784 miles at 6 years old, MINI COOPER S owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 MINI COOPER S Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 MINI COOPER S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,772 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2018 MINI COOPER S
At 6 years old, the MINI COOPER S offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. With 19,933 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 MINI COOPER S
The MINI COOPER S is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (-5%) from 109,880 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (same) from 89,653 tests
- FORD KUGA (2018) 90% pass rate (-2%) from 67,605 tests
- MINI COOPER (2018) 92% pass rate (same) from 55,706 tests