Most Reliable Mini Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 795,767 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Mini models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
795,767 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Mini model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Mini GT
86.6% pass rate
Best Single Year
MINI (R60) 2010 Petrol
75.4% pass rate
Mini vs National Average
76.1% vs 71.5%
+4.6% above average
Proven Durability Champion
COOPER 2012
+14.4% at 11-12 years
Mini has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 795,767 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Mini models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Mini model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Mini Compares to Rivals
Mini ranks #29 out of 75 manufacturers with a 76.1% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bmw | 78.5% | #22 | 1,808,787 |
| Audi | 77.9% | #25 | 1,663,207 |
| Mini | 76.1% | #29 | 795,767 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Ds | 71.4% | #46 | 42,429 |
| Fiat | 68.3% | #52 | 780,941 |
The verdict: Bmw maintains a lead among competitors, while Mini sits at #29. However, newer Mini models significantly outperform this average.
Best Mini Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Mini's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT | 86.6% | +15.1% | 648 | 2017-2018 |
| COUNTRYMAN | 86.0% | +14.5% | 86,023 | 2011-2021 |
| JOHN COOPER WORKS | 85.6% | +14.1% | 17,337 | 2011-2021 |
| COOPER | 84.7% | +13.2% | 289,477 | 2002-2021 |
| PACEMAN | 84.3% | +12.8% | 7,839 | 2013-2016 |
| CLUBMAN | 83.8% | +12.3% | 25,176 | 2015-2019 |
| UNCLASSIFIED | 82.6% | +11.1% | 913 | 2014-2015 |
| ONE | 80.2% | +8.6% | 49,684 | 2004-2020 |
| ROADSTER | 79.1% | +7.6% | 2,476 | 2013-2015 |
| FIRST | 74.8% | +3.3% | 1,558 | 2010-2013 |
Top performer
The GT dramatically outperforms other Minis with an 86.6% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Mini Models Age Best?
These Mini models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOPER | 2012 | Petrol | +14.4% | 11-12 years | 77.2% |
| MINI (R60) | 2012 | Petrol | +14.3% | 11-12 years | 77.2% |
| MINI (R60) | 2010 | Petrol | +13.7% | 11-12 years | 76.5% |
| MINI (R60) | 2012 | Diesel | +13.5% | 11-12 years | 76.3% |
| ONE | 2012 | Petrol | +12.8% | 11-12 years | 75.6% |
| MINI (R60) | 2011 | Petrol | +11.7% | 11-12 years | 74.5% |
| MINI | 2012 | Petrol | +10.9% | 11-12 years | 73.7% |
| MINI (R60) | 2011 | Diesel | +10.7% | 11-12 years | 73.5% |
| MINI | 2010 | Petrol | +10.4% | 13+ years | 67.7% |
| ONE | 2011 | Petrol | +9.9% | 11-12 years | 72.8% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Mini models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COUNTRYMAN | 2018 | Petrol | +8.0% | 5-6 years | 89.2% |
| COUNTRYMAN | 2017 | Petrol | +7.2% | 5-6 years | 88.4% |
| COUNTRYMAN | 2017 | Diesel | +7.0% | 5-6 years | 88.2% |
| COUNTRYMAN | 2016 | Petrol | +6.9% | 5-6 years | 88.1% |
| COOPER S | 2020 | Petrol | +5.6% | 3-4 years | 91.4% |
| COOPER | 2020 | Petrol | +5.3% | 3-4 years | 91.1% |
| COOPER | 2016 | Petrol | +5.2% | 5-6 years | 86.4% |
| COUNTRYMAN | 2020 | Petrol | +4.8% | 3-4 years | 90.7% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Mini COOPER: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The COOPER has 289,477 tests in our database with an overall 84.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 95.4% | +4.5% | 1,734 |
| 2021 | Hybrid Electric | 90.5% | -0.3% | 211 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.4% | +2.8% | 29,072 |
| 2020 | Electric | 88.6% | +0.9% | 3,261 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 85.9% | -1.8% | 2,111 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 89.8% | +3.6% | 43,674 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 87.5% | +1.3% | 2,870 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 86.8% | +0.6% | 280 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 87.1% | +2.9% | 38,631 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 84.4% | +0.1% | 1,901 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 85.3% | +3.6% | 31,694 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.2% | +1.5% | 6,006 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Diesel | 59.0% | -1.6% | 531 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 53.2% | -4.2% | 126 |
| 2007 | Petrol | 59.6% | +2.6% | 1,065 |
COOPER verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 95.4% pass rate. Avoid the 2010 diesel (59.0%).
Avoid early COOPER models
The 2010 diesel COOPER has a 59.0% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Mini COUNTRYMAN: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The COUNTRYMAN has 86,023 tests in our database with an overall 86.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 93.8% | +3.0% | 423 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 90.3% | +2.7% | 207 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 88.5% | +0.8% | 8,163 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 89.5% | +3.3% | 12,236 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 88.3% | +2.1% | 917 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 87.9% | +1.7% | 958 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 89.9% | +5.7% | 9,203 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 88.2% | +3.9% | 2,494 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 87.1% | +2.8% | 2,150 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 88.4% | +6.8% | 6,981 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 88.2% | +6.5% | 3,025 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 88.0% | +6.3% | 926 |
COUNTRYMAN verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 93.8% pass rate.
Mini ONE: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The ONE has 49,684 tests in our database with an overall 80.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.0% | +2.3% | 1,187 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.7% | +2.5% | 1,570 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 86.8% | +2.5% | 1,549 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.8% | +2.1% | 4,798 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 82.2% | +0.5% | 612 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 85.2% | +6.5% | 6,919 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 82.7% | +4.0% | 1,484 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 83.7% | +8.2% | 9,378 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 79.9% | +4.4% | 1,115 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 81.8% | +10.1% | 4,695 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 78.8% | +7.1% | 1,556 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 74.5% | +6.2% | 6,998 |
| ... | ||||
| 2009 | Petrol | 52.9% | -6.1% | 308 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 49.8% | -7.6% | 299 |
| 2007 | Petrol | 51.4% | -5.5% | 282 |
ONE verdict: Avoid the 2009 petrol (52.9%).
Avoid early ONE models
The 2009 petrol ONE has a 52.9% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Mini CLUBMAN: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The CLUBMAN has 25,176 tests in our database with an overall 83.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Petrol | 87.8% | +1.6% | 229 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 86.9% | +2.6% | 5,346 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 83.4% | -0.8% | 990 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 84.6% | +2.9% | 5,991 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.1% | +1.4% | 2,186 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 82.1% | +3.4% | 3,502 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 81.8% | +3.1% | 5,532 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 81.6% | +6.1% | 402 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 81.5% | +6.0% | 998 |
CLUBMAN verdict:
Mini Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Mini's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 88.6% | +17.0% | 3,261 |
| Hybrid Electric | 87.2% | +15.7% | 9,226 |
| Diesel | 76.1% | +4.6% | 146,135 |
| Petrol | 75.9% | +4.4% | 627,871 |
The hybrid advantage: Mini hybrids pass MOTs 11% more often than petrols and 11% more often than diesels.
Mini Models to Avoid
Not all Minis are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINI | 2001 | Petrol | 46.6% (-13.3% vs same-age) | 2,521 |
| MINI | 2002 | Petrol | 51.1% (-8.7% vs same-age) | 10,141 |
| MINI | 2005 | Diesel | 50.4% (-9.5% vs same-age) | 605 |
| MINI | 2003 | Petrol | 53.6% (-6.3% vs same-age) | 14,952 |
| MINI | 2004 | Petrol | 54.1% (-5.8% vs same-age) | 20,477 |
| COOPER S | 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 85.9% | 2,111 |
| COOPER | 2007 | Petrol | 56.0% (-3.9% vs same-age) | 727 |
| CLUBMAN | 2018 | Diesel | 83.4% | 990 |
| MINI | 2005 | Petrol | 55.6% (-4.3% vs same-age) | 24,622 |
| MINI | 2006 | Petrol | 55.9% (-4.0% vs same-age) | 23,147 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2001-2006 diesel/petrol MINIs are the models that drag down Mini's average. The MINI 2001 performs 11% worse than the average car of the same age at 13+ years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Minis?
When Minis fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 75,483 |
| 2. Tyres | 47,578 |
| 3. Brakes | 39,695 |
| 4. Visibility | 35,607 |
| 5. Suspension | 31,394 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 29,504 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 19,170 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Mini owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- COOPER 2011-2012: +12% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- MINI (R60) 2010-2012: +13% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- ONE 2011-2012: +11% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- MINI 2010-2012: +8% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Mini Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- MINI 2001-2007: -4% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 795,767 tests on Mini vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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