Rover Mini (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 621 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,003

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1380cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1380cc25 years old621 tests41k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1380cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/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

80% 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. It also outperforms the Rover brand average of 74%.

80% of MOT tests on Rover Minis from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 621 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 41,419 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models74th of 350(top 22%)

Rank among Rover models26th of 153(top 17%)

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

vs 2001 models average+7%(73% avg)

vs Rover average+6%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

41,419

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Rover Mini had 41,419 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2001 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Rover Mini by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2001	80%	621	41,419 mi
2000	79%	1,873	46,449 mi
1999	80%	2,240	50,086 mi
1998	79%	2,664	52,602 mi
1997	78%	1,938	52,446 mi
1996	74%	2,384	51,333 mi
1995	76%	2,250	52,665 mi
1994	75%	2,681	51,833 mi
1993	74%	2,855	51,827 mi
1992	76%	2,492	55,067 mi
1991	80%	2,744	50,719 mi
1990	80%	2,886	51,406 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-9%

MINI

2003 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-8%

Ford Focus

2003 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-12%

Volkswagen Polo

2003 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-13%

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About the 2001 Rover Mini

The 2001 Rover Mini is a small family car. Our records list a 1380cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 621 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 41,419 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Rover Mini owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

2001 Rover Mini Fuel Costs

The 1380cc 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 2001 Rover Mini?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Rover Mini Reliability Trend

The Rover Mini has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 Rover Mini

At 25 years old, the Rover 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 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 80%.

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.

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.

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 2001 Rover Mini 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
Rover Mini(2001)	80%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£150
MINI(2003)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£225
Ford Focus(2003)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£425
Volkswagen Polo(2003)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£350

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 2001 Rover Mini

Is the 2001 Rover Mini reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2001 Rover Minis ended in a pass, from 621 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Rover Mini cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 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 2001 Rover Mini?

80% of 621 MOT tests on the 2001 Rover Mini ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 74th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top 22%).

Which year Rover Mini has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 Rover Mini has the highest MOT pass rate at 80% and the 1996 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Rover Mini?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Rover Mini is 41,419 miles, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.