MINI (R57) (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,080 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1600cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific MINI (R57)

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol1600cc14 years old1,080 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1600cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

84% of MOT tests on MINI (R57)s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 1,080 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,145 miles.

Got a MINI (R57) you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models270th of 650(top half)

Rank among MINI models198th of 335(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+6%(78% avg)

vs MINI average+0%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,145

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 MINI (R57) had 83,145 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific MINI (R57)?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2012 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MINI (R57) by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	88%	714	26,960 mi
2013	84%	69	65,853 mi
2012	84%	1,080	83,145 mi
2011	84%	1,778	86,731 mi
2010	80%	1,206	78,356 mi
2009	79%	656	76,478 mi
2008	89%	122	85,455 mi
2007	86%	134	69,793 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Corsa

2014 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

-8%

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-6%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-12%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-9%

Check a Specific MINI (R57)

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 2012 MINI (R57)

The 2012 MINI (R57) is a small family car. Our records list a 1600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,080 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 83,145 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI (R57) owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 MINI (R57) Fuel Costs

The 1600cc 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 2012 MINI (R57)?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MINI (R57) Reliability Trend

The MINI (R57) has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2012 MINI (R57)

At 14 years old, the MINI (R57) 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 83k 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 2012 MINI (R57) 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 (R57)(2012)	84%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078
Vauxhall Corsa(2014)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£75
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£150
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£150
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900-£178

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 2012 MINI (R57)

Is the 2012 MINI (R57) reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2012 MINI (R57)s ended in a pass, from 1,080 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 MINI (R57) cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 MINI (R57)?

84% of 1,080 MOT tests on the 2012 MINI (R57) ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 270th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).

Which year MINI (R57) has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 MINI (R57) has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2009 the lowest at 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 MINI (R57)?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 MINI (R57) is 83,145 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.