2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Rover MINI MOT pass rate and common faults

369 MOT tests in 2024. 73.2% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

123Well above average
Passed first time73.2%
Failed or needed repairs26.8%
Typical mileage at test42,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 369 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.7%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits2.4%
  4. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.9%
  6. Wheel bearings: has excessive play1.6%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.6%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.6%
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks13.0%
  2. Lights & electrics12.7%
  3. Brakes10.0%
  4. Suspension8.7%
  5. Steering6.0%
  6. Body & chassis5.7%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.6%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play6.2%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.3%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened3.3%

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 2001 Rover MINI?

In 2024, 73.2% of 2001 Rover MINI cars passed their MOT first time, across 369 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 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 at idle exceeds default limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2001 Rover MINI reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 123, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).