MINI First

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 5 model years from 2,851 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

78%

Total Tests

2,851

Highest Pass Rate

2012 (84%)

Years Covered

About the MINI First

The MINI First was MOT tested 2,851 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 5 model years (2009 to 2013), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 84% from 813 tests. The 2011 model has the lowest at 78%. The 6 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer MINI Firsts pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2009) averages 82,142 miles, while the newest (2013) averages 69,493 miles.

Compared to the MINI brand average of 84%, the First is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable MINI models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2013 details

How reliable is the MINI First?

vs average of all models-4% (82% avg)

vs MINI brand average-6% (84% avg)

Best to worst year spread6 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

MINI First by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	83%	1,445	69,493 mi
2012	84%	813	75,945 mi
2011	78%	292	77,706 mi
2010	79%	225	86,297 mi
2009	66%	76	82,142 mi

Questions about the MINI First

Is the MINI First reliable?

Across its 5 model years in our data (2009 to 2013), the MINI First averages a 78% MOT pass rate, from 2,851 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2012 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 84%.

Which year MINI First has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 MINI First has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 78%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.