MINI MINI (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 36,444 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
36,444
Avg Mileage
103,379 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 2004 MINI MINI reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.
At 20 years old, 71% of MINI MINIs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 36,444 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,379 miles.
How does the 2004 MINI MINI compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 MINI MINI has 103,379 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MINI MINI?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2004 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 2004 MINI MINI cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MINI 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 |
Checking a specific MINI MINI?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 MINI MINI
The 2004 MINI MINI is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 36,444 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 103,379 miles at 20 years old, MINI MINI owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 MINI 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 MINI MINI?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MINI MINI Reliability Trend
Newer MINI MINIs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 MINI MINI
At 20 years old, the MINI 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. With 36,444 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2004 MINI MINI
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 56,257 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+9%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (same) from 35,054 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2006) 68% pass rate (-3%) from 34,523 tests