1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Rover MINI MOT pass rate and common faults

613 MOT tests in 2024. 70.3% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time70.3%
Failed or needed repairs29.7%
Typical mileage at test53,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 613 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.9%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.2%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  4. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.4%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.1%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.1%
  8. Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.0%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.0%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics20.1%
  2. Emissions & leaks18.1%
  3. Brakes14.5%
  4. Suspension12.4%
  5. Steering7.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.0%
  7. Body & chassis6.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.4%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn7.7%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play5.5%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.4%

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: steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 1997 Rover MINI?

In 2024, 70.3% of 1997 Rover MINI cars passed their MOT first time, across 613 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Rover MINI?

The most common failure reasons were steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Rover MINI reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).