2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 MINI Cooper S MOT pass rate and common faults

293 MOT tests in 2024. 61.4% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

108Above average
Passed first time61.4%
Failed or needed repairs38.6%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 293 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working5.1%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.1%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.4%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.7%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.7%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.4%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.0%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    11 marked dangerous
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks24.9%
  2. Lights & electrics18.1%
  3. Brakes11.3%
  4. Suspension9.2%
  5. Body & chassis8.9%
  6. Tyres7.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.8%
  8. Steering2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine26.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.3%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened10.9%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding7.8%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 2008 MINI Cooper S?

In 2024, 61.4% of 2008 MINI Cooper S cars passed their MOT first time, across 293 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 MINI Cooper S?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; position lamp: not working; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2008 MINI Cooper S reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 108, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).