MINI Countryman (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,644

£137/month

MOT Pass Rate

94%

Excellent

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1560cc Diesel

Great Choice

94% pass rate, £1,644/year to run. 12 points above average.

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Diesel1560cc18 years old34 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1560cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,644

Per month£137/mo

Per week£32/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

94% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the MINI brand average of 84%.

94% of MOT tests on MINI Countrymans from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 100,473 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models35th of 566(top 7%)

Rank among MINI models29th of 335(top 9%)

vs average of all models+12%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+21%(73% avg)

vs MINI average+10%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,473

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 MINI Countryman had 100,473 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2008 scores 94%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MINI Countryman by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	889	18,725 mi
2021	93%	13,918	22,319 mi
2020	93%	15,288	27,202 mi
2019	93%	25,254	33,911 mi
2018	92%	24,915	43,233 mi
2017	92%	20,256	49,575 mi
2016	91%	16,693	53,907 mi
2015	89%	16,892	61,874 mi
2014	89%	24,209	69,214 mi
2013	87%	5,175	74,494 mi
2012	86%	1,340	81,209 mi
2011	80%	1,174	91,168 mi
2010	89%	177	86,933 mi
2008	94%	34	100,473 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2009 · 1398cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

-22%

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

-20%

Vauxhall Corsa

2009 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

-21%

Volkswagen Golf

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

77%

-17%

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About the 2008 MINI Countryman

The 2008 MINI Countryman is a small family car. Our records list a 1560cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 7% of all 2008 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 100,473 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI Countryman owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 MINI Countryman Fuel Costs

The 1560cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2008 MINI Countryman?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,644 (£137/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

MINI Countryman Reliability Trend

Newer MINI Countrymans pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 MINI Countryman

At 18 years old, the MINI Countryman 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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

Watch out

With an average of 100k 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 2008 MINI Countryman 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 Countryman(2008)	94%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,644
Ford Fiesta(2009)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£300
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£583
Vauxhall Corsa(2009)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£300
Volkswagen Golf(2010)	77%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£583

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 2008 MINI Countryman

Is the 2008 MINI Countryman reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 2008 MINI Countrymans ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 MINI Countryman cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,644 a year (£137 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 MINI Countryman?

94% of 34 MOT tests on the 2008 MINI Countryman ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 35th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top 7%).

Which year MINI Countryman has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 MINI Countryman has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2011 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 MINI Countryman?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 MINI Countryman is 100,473 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.