2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 MINI Cooper S MOT pass rate and common faults

136 MOT tests in 2024. 57.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time57.4%
Failed or needed repairs42.6%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 136 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.6%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.7%
  3. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.7%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.9%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.9%
    4 marked dangerous
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  8. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative2.2%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high2.2%
  10. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.0%
  2. Brakes26.5%
  3. Suspension16.2%
  4. Emissions & leaks8.8%
  5. Body & chassis6.6%
  6. Tyres6.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  8. Steering5.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine34.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Cooper S years2004 Cooper S →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 MINI Cooper S?

In 2024, 57.4% of 2003 MINI Cooper S cars passed their MOT first time, across 136 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 MINI Cooper S?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 MINI Cooper S reliable at MOT time?

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