2009 · 15 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2009 MINI Cooper S MOT pass rate and common faults

267 MOT tests in 2024. 66.7% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time66.7%
Failed or needed repairs33.3%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 267 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working7.9%
  2. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour3.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2%
    8 marked dangerous
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.2%
  5. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective1.9%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    5 marked dangerous
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
  8. Stop lamp: not working1.5%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.5%
    6 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.6%
  2. Brakes9.7%
  3. Tyres7.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks7.5%
  5. Body & chassis6.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  7. Suspension4.9%
  8. Steering1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.2%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened9.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.0%

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 2009 MINI Cooper S?

In 2024, 66.7% of 2009 MINI Cooper S cars passed their MOT first time, across 267 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 MINI Cooper S?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; individual direction indicators: incorrect colour; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2009 MINI Cooper S reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).