2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 MINI First MOT pass rate and common faults

423 MOT tests in 2024. 70.5% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time70.5%
Failed or needed repairs29.5%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 423 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.8%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.1%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.7%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    8 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too low1.4%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.8%
  2. Emissions & leaks9.7%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.1%
  4. Tyres5.9%
  5. Brakes5.9%
  6. Suspension5.4%
  7. Body & chassis1.2%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.9%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.9%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened6.9%

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 2012 MINI First?

In 2024, 70.5% of 2012 MINI First cars passed their MOT first time, across 423 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 MINI First?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 MINI First reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).