2010 · 14 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2010 MINI Cooper S MOT pass rate and common faults

274 MOT tests in 2024. 70.8% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

119Well above average
Passed first time70.8%
Failed or needed repairs29.2%
Typical mileage at test74,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 274 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working6.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    10 marked dangerous
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  4. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour1.8%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low1.5%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.5%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.5%
    5 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.8%
  2. Tyres7.3%
  3. Brakes6.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks6.6%
  5. Suspension4.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  7. Body & chassis1.5%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.1%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened6.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.8%

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: 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 2010 MINI Cooper S?

In 2024, 70.8% of 2010 MINI Cooper S cars passed their MOT first time, across 274 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 MINI Cooper S?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2010 MINI Cooper S reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 119, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).