1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 Rover MINI MOT pass rate and common faults

896 MOT tests in 2024. 72.7% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time72.7%
Failed or needed repairs27.3%
Typical mileage at test54,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 896 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive6.7%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.5%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.2%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working2.2%
  7. Wheel bearings: has excessive play2.0%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high1.9%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.8%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.6%
  2. Brakes14.6%
  3. Suspension13.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks11.6%
  5. Body & chassis9.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.1%
  7. Steering4.0%
  8. Tyres1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.9%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play5.7%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.1%

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: non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive. 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 1991 Rover MINI?

In 2024, 72.7% of 1991 Rover MINI cars passed their MOT first time, across 896 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 Rover MINI?

The most common failure reasons were non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive; service brake imbalance: across an axle; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1991 Rover MINI reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).