2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 MINI Cooper MOT pass rate and common faults

403 MOT tests in 2024. 54.8% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time54.8%
Failed or needed repairs45.2%
Typical mileage at test91,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 403 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working8.9%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.0%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.5%
  6. Stop lamp: not working3.5%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    20 marked dangerous
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics33.0%
  2. Emissions & leaks15.6%
  3. Suspension14.9%
  4. Body & chassis14.4%
  5. Brakes14.1%
  6. Tyres8.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.7%
  8. Steering3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine27.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.9%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened13.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn9.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. 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 2006 MINI Cooper?

In 2024, 54.8% of 2006 MINI Cooper cars passed their MOT first time, across 403 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 MINI Cooper?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 MINI Cooper reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).