2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 MINI One MOT pass rate and common faults

126 MOT tests in 2024. 46.8% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time46.8%
Failed or needed repairs53.2%
Typical mileage at test105,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 126 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect9.5%
  2. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.1%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.3%
  5. Position lamp: not working6.3%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.8%
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.8%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.8%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed4.0%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics44.4%
  2. Brakes34.9%
  3. Suspension27.0%
  4. Body & chassis15.1%
  5. Tyres13.5%
  6. Steering10.3%
  7. Emissions & leaks9.5%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine37.3%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded37.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.5%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.9%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2004 MINI One?

In 2024, 46.8% of 2004 MINI One cars passed their MOT first time, across 126 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 MINI One?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 MINI One reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).