1994 · 30 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1994 Rover MINI MOT pass rate and common faults

846 MOT tests in 2024. 68.6% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time68.6%
Failed or needed repairs31.4%
Typical mileage at test56,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 846 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.6%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.4%
  3. Rear fog lamp: not working3.1%
  4. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.1%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.1%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.7%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.4%
  9. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive2.1%
  10. Headlamp aim: too high2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks21.2%
  3. Brakes18.1%
  4. Suspension14.8%
  5. Body & chassis10.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.9%
  7. Steering3.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn7.4%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play6.7%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: service brake imbalance: across an axle. 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 1994 Rover MINI?

In 2024, 68.6% of 1994 Rover MINI cars passed their MOT first time, across 846 tests. The average for all 30-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1994 Rover MINI?

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; rear fog lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1994 Rover MINI reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).