1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Rover MINI MOT pass rate and common faults

750 MOT tests in 2024. 71.2% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time71.2%
Failed or needed repairs28.8%
Typical mileage at test49,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 750 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.1%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.7%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.5%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.4%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.1%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.7%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.7%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks15.6%
  2. Lights & electrics13.7%
  3. Suspension12.4%
  4. Brakes8.9%
  5. Body & chassis5.6%
  6. Steering5.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.1%
  2. Wheel bearings: has excessive play6.8%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.0%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.7%

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 1999 Rover MINI?

In 2024, 71.2% of 1999 Rover MINI cars passed their MOT first time, across 750 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 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 emissions & leaks.

Is the 1999 Rover MINI reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).