2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 MINI Cooper D MOT pass rate and common faults

2,227 MOT tests in 2024. 68.7% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time68.7%
Failed or needed repairs31.3%
Typical mileage at test88,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,227 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working7.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
    95 marked dangerous
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.1%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    42 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.4%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working1.3%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low1.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics20.5%
  2. Tyres9.2%
  3. Brakes7.4%
  4. Suspension6.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.1%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.4%
  7. Body & chassis1.2%
  8. Wheels0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.1%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.6%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 MINI Cooper D?

In 2024, 68.7% of 2012 MINI Cooper D cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,227 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 MINI Cooper D?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 MINI Cooper D reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).