MINI MINI (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 33 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Petrol
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MINI brand average of 84%.
At 8 years old, 97% of MINI MINIs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,132 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
48,132
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 MINI MINI has 48,132 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2018 sits between the two at 97%.
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
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About the 2018 MINI MINI
The 2018 MINI MINI is a small family car with a 1499cc petrol engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2018 cars for reliability.
With an average of 48,132 miles at 8 years old, MINI MINI owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 MINI MINI Fuel Costs
The 1499cc 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 2018 MINI MINI?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2018 MINI MINI
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 MINI MINI's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 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(2018) | 97% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1587 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2016) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677+£90 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£37 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2016) | 85% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£197 |
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.
Related Mini Models
Explore other Mini cars or similar models in the same category.
MINI COOPER
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MINI COOPER S
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
MINI COUNTRYMAN
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
VAUXHALL CORSA
2016 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2016 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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