MINI FIRST (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 76 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,087
£174/month
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1397cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
66% pass rate, £2087/year to run. 16 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1397cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.
At 17 years old, 66% of MINI FIRSTs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 76 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,142 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,142
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 MINI FIRST has 82,142 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MINI FIRST by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 MINI FIRST
The 2009 MINI FIRST is a small family car with a 1397cc petrol engine. 76 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 96% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 82,142 miles at 17 years old, MINI FIRST owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2009 MINI FIRST Fuel Costs
The 1397cc 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 2009 MINI FIRST?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,087 (£174/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MINI FIRST Reliability Trend
Newer MINI FIRSTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 MINI FIRST
At 17 years old, the MINI FIRST 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 76 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 MINI FIRST'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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 82k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2009 MINI FIRST stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINI FIRST(2009) | 66% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £2087 |
| FORD FOCUS(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£260 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£365 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£365 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£547 |
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.
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