1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Rover MINI MOT pass rate and common faults

848 MOT tests in 2024. 72.0% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time72.0%
Failed or needed repairs27.9%
Typical mileage at test54,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 848 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.4%
  3. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.2%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.9%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.5%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.0%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working1.7%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics18.8%
  2. Emissions & leaks18.2%
  3. Suspension12.7%
  4. Brakes12.6%
  5. Body & chassis7.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  7. Steering5.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.6%
  2. Wheel bearings: has excessive play7.7%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.7%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.6%

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 1998 Rover MINI?

In 2024, 72.0% of 1998 Rover MINI cars passed their MOT first time, across 848 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 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; service brake imbalance: across an axle. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Rover MINI reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).