MINI Roadster Cooper S (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 47 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,228
£186/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1600cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MINI brand average of 84%.
70% of MOT tests on MINI Roadster Cooper Ss from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 47 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,300 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
68,300
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S had 68,300 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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About the 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S
The 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S is a small family car. Our records list a 1600cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 47 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 6% of 2012 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 68,300 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MINI Roadster Cooper S owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S 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 Roadster Cooper S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S
At 14 years old, the MINI Roadster Cooper S 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 47 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 outAt 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 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.
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 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S 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 Roadster Cooper S(2012) | 70% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2014) | 76% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£75 |
| Ford Focus(2013) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228same |
| Nissan Qashqai(2013) | 72% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228same |
| Volkswagen Polo(2011) | 75% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,900-£328 |
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 Roadster Cooper S
Is the 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper Ss ended in a pass, from 47 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S?
70% of 47 MOT tests on the 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 614th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom 6%).
What is the average mileage for a 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 MINI Roadster Cooper S is 68,300 miles, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related MINI Models
Explore other MINI cars or similar models in the same category.
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Vauxhall Corsa
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Ford Focus
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Nissan Qashqai
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