MINI First (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 292 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1600cc15 years old292 tests78k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1600cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.

78% of MOT tests on MINI Firsts from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 292 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 77,706 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models367th of 595(bottom half)

Rank among MINI models270th of 335(bottom 20%)

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

vs 2011 models average+1%(77% avg)

vs MINI average-6%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

77,706

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 MINI First had 77,706 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 78%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MINI First by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Corsa

2012 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

-2%

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

same

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-6%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-3%

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About the 2011 MINI First

The 2011 MINI First is a small family car. Our records list a 1600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 292 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 77,706 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI First owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 MINI First Fuel Costs

The 1600cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2011 MINI First?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MINI First 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.

Buying a Used 2011 MINI First

At 15 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 15 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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.

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 2011 MINI First 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 First(2011)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Vauxhall Corsa(2012)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900-£328

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 2011 MINI First

Is the 2011 MINI First reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2011 MINI Firsts ended in a pass, from 292 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.

How much does a 2011 MINI First cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 MINI First?

78% of 292 MOT tests on the 2011 MINI First ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 367th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom half).

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% and the 2011 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 MINI First?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 MINI First is 77,706 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.