Is the 2004 MINI MINI reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MINI MINIs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 36,444 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 MINI MINI cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 MINI MINI?

The 2004 MINI MINI has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 36,444 tests in 2026. This ranks 295 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year MINI MINI is most reliable?

The 2014 MINI MINI has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%. The least reliable year is 2001 at 69%.

MINI MINI (2004)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 MINI MINI?

The average mileage for a 2004 MINI MINI is 103,379 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 36,444 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc22 years old36,444 tests103k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1598cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,957

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/wk

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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 22 years old, 71% of MINI MINIs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 36,444 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,379 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars295th of 491(top 60%)

Rank among MINI models313th of 341(top 92%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average-1%(72% avg)

vs MINI average-13%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,379

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 MINI MINI has 103,379 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 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%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FOCUS

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

+2%

BMW 3 SERIES

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+9%

HONDA JAZZ

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

same

VAUXHALL CORSA

2006 · 1229cc Petrol

£1,922/year

68%

-3%

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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 2026, 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 22 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 £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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 22 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 MINI MINI's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 103k 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.

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 2004 MINI MINI stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MINI MINI(2004)	71%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1957
FORD FOCUS(2006)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
BMW 3 SERIES(2006)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£90
HONDA JAZZ(2006)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
VAUXHALL CORSA(2006)	68%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1922-£35

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.