MINI (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,789 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,428

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,428/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc25 years old3,789 tests109k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,428

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.

69% of MOT tests on MINIs from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 3,789 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,838 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models247th of 350(bottom half)

Rank among MINI models317th of 335(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average-4%(73% avg)

vs MINI average-15%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,838

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 MINI had 108,838 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 69%. 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 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	97%	33	48,132 mi
2017	93%	42	48,635 mi
2016	93%	40	59,235 mi
2015	94%	33	70,246 mi
2014	88%	1,067	67,660 mi
2013	86%	38,366	76,296 mi
2012	85%	42,736	78,383 mi
2011	82%	49,881	83,358 mi
2010	80%	59,218	85,987 mi
2009	75%	57,825	89,580 mi
2008	74%	54,730	95,610 mi
2007	73%	53,763	93,859 mi
2006	72%	43,117	96,085 mi
2005	71%	45,707	100,056 mi
2004	71%	36,444	103,379 mi
2003	72%	25,713	107,167 mi
2002	78%	22,736	107,149 mi
2001	69%	3,789	108,838 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+2%

Ford Focus

2003 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-1%

Volkswagen Polo

2003 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-2%

Toyota Yaris

2003 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

+3%

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About the 2001 MINI

The 2001 MINI is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,789 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 108,838 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 MINI 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 £1,398 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 2001 MINI?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,428 (£202/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

MINI Reliability Trend

Newer MINIs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2001 MINI

At 25 years old, the MINI 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.

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 109k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2001 MINI 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(2001)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£275
Ford Focus(2003)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428same
Volkswagen Polo(2003)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353-£75
Toyota Yaris(2003)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£275

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 2001 MINI

Is the 2001 MINI reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2001 MINIs ended in a pass, from 3,789 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 MINI cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,428 a year (£202 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 MINI?

69% of 3,789 MOT tests on the 2001 MINI ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 247th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (bottom half).

Which year MINI has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 MINI has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2001 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 MINI?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 MINI is 108,838 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.