2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 MINI Cooper MOT pass rate and common faults

26,483 MOT tests in 2024. 84.9% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time84.9%
Failed or needed repairs15.1%
Typical mileage at test42,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 26,483 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    644 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    419 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9%
    327 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    299 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.6%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    236 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.1%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  3. Lights & electrics3.4%
  4. Brakes2.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.9%
  6. Suspension0.7%
  7. Wheels0.3%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.6%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.2%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.8%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 2017 MINI Cooper?

In 2024, 84.9% of 2017 MINI Cooper cars passed their MOT first time, across 26,483 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 MINI Cooper?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 MINI Cooper reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).