2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 MINI Cooper MOT pass rate and common faults

688 MOT tests in 2024. 57.0% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time57.0%
Failed or needed repairs43.0%
Typical mileage at test88,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 688 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working6.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.7%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.7%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.2%
    45 marked dangerous
  6. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.8%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.9%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.8%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks31.5%
  2. Lights & electrics26.9%
  3. Brakes13.5%
  4. Suspension11.2%
  5. Tyres8.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  7. Body & chassis4.2%
  8. Steering1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.3%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened14.8%
  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 structure7.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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 2008 MINI Cooper?

In 2024, 57.0% of 2008 MINI Cooper cars passed their MOT first time, across 688 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

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

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2008 MINI Cooper reliable at MOT time?

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