2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 MINI Cooper MOT pass rate and common faults

28,980 MOT tests in 2024. 86.2% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time86.2%
Failed or needed repairs13.8%
Typical mileage at test35,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 28,980 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.9%
  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 1.6mm1.3%
    548 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
    364 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.0%
    359 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    334 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    169 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.7%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.0%
  3. Brakes2.0%
  4. Lights & electrics2.0%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.6%
  6. Suspension0.4%
  7. Wheels0.2%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.5%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.4%

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 2018 MINI Cooper?

In 2024, 86.2% of 2018 MINI Cooper cars passed their MOT first time, across 28,980 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 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 2018 MINI Cooper reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).