MINI COOPER S AUTO (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 64 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,807
£151/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 18 years old, 83% of MINI COOPER S AUTOs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 64 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,842 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,842
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 MINI COOPER S AUTO has 79,842 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 83%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MINI COOPER S AUTO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 MINI COOPER S AUTO
The 2008 MINI COOPER S AUTO is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 64 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 79,842 miles at 18 years old, MINI COOPER S AUTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 MINI COOPER S AUTO 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 2008 MINI COOPER S AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 (£151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MINI COOPER S AUTO Reliability Trend
Newer MINI COOPER S AUTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 MINI COOPER S AUTO
At 18 years old, the MINI COOPER S AUTO 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. Note: with only 64 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 MINI COOPER S AUTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 2008 MINI COOPER S AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINI COOPER S AUTO(2008) | 83% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1807 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£20 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£220 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mini Models
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