2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 MINI Cooper S MOT pass rate and common faults

199 MOT tests in 2024. 59.8% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time59.8%
Failed or needed repairs40.2%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 199 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.5%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.5%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.5%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.5%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.0%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.0%
  8. Wheel bearings: has excessive play2.5%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    7 marked dangerous
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics28.6%
  2. Brakes21.6%
  3. Suspension13.1%
  4. Body & chassis12.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks11.6%
  6. Steering7.5%
  7. Tyres5.0%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine35.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded27.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%

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: rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. 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 2005 MINI Cooper S?

In 2024, 59.8% of 2005 MINI Cooper S cars passed their MOT first time, across 199 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 MINI Cooper S?

The most common failure reasons were rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2005 MINI Cooper S reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).