MINI MINI COOPER (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 5 points below average.
Check a specific MINI MINI COOPER
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this MINI MINI COOPER
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.
At 22 years old, 77% of MINI MINI COOPERs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 85,653 miles.
Got a MINI MINI COOPER you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
85,653
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 MINI MINI COOPER has 85,653 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.
Looking at a specific MINI MINI COOPER?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mini Mini cooper
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2004 MINI MINI COOPER
The 2004 MINI MINI COOPER is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 85,653 miles at 22 years old, MINI MINI COOPER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 MINI MINI COOPER 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 COOPER?
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 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2004 MINI MINI COOPER
At 22 years old, the MINI MINI COOPER 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. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 MINI MINI COOPER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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
Medium riskWith an average of 86k 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 riskHigh-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 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 2004 MINI MINI COOPER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINI MINI COOPER(2004) | 77% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £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 |
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 MINI
2010 · 1598cc Petrol
MINI COOPER
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
MINI COOPER S
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
FORD FOCUS
2006 · 1596cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2005 · 1598cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
2006 · 1796cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mini Mini cooper.
Best First Cars in the UK: Top Picks for New Drivers 2026
12 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific MINI MINI COOPER
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a MINI MINI COOPER? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data