Mini First
From 2,553 MOT tests. Average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are emissions levels exceed default limits, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning and a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources. The top issue, emissions levels exceed default limits, caused 54 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 54 |
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 52 |
| a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 45 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 44 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 44 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 40 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 34 |
| an obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 32 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 28 |
| engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction | 28 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. Only 17% of First failures are serious (safety or roadside), below the 44.4% average. When this car fails its MOT, it's more likely to be lights, wipers, or emissions than something dangerous. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £56.
Mini First on UK roads
The fleet is shrinking: 399 scrapped or exported in the past year, a net loss of 399. At this rate, roughly 14 years until none remain. Now at 78.1% of its peak (7,170 in 2014 Q1).
Quarterly breakdown
| Quarter | On road | SORN | New | Gone | Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q3 | 5,168 | 434 | +0 | -122 | -122 |
| 2025 Q2 | 5,301 | 423 | +0 | -129 | -129 |
| 2025 Q1 | 5,445 | 408 | +0 | -72 | -72 |
| 2024 Q4 | 5,563 | 362 | +0 | -76 | -76 |
| 2024 Q3 | 5,677 | 324 | +0 | -91 | -91 |
| 2024 Q2 | 5,774 | 318 | +0 | -84 | -84 |
| 2024 Q1 | 5,874 | 302 | +0 | -102 | -102 |
| 2023 Q4 | 6,021 | 257 | +0 | -37 | -37 |
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics, 2025 Q3. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 76.7% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen |
| 2012 | 75.1% | engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2011 | 72.2% | an obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources |
| 2010 | 69.5% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, a tyre seriously damaged |
Typical mileage
Half of all Firsts tested had between 55,707 and 85,544 miles on the clock.
At 63,803 median miles, the First has 0.039 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Mini models
| Mini Mini | 71.5% |
| Mini Cooper | 87% |
| Mini Cooper S | 88.5% |
| Mini Countryman | 88.5% |
| Mini One | 83.1% |
Common questions
What is the Mini First MOT pass rate?
The Mini First has a 74.8% MOT pass rate based on 2,553 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mini First?
The most common MOT failure on the Mini First is emissions levels exceed default limits, which caused 54 failures. Other common issues include a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning.
How many Mini Firsts are on UK roads?
There are 5,168 Mini Firsts currently licensed on UK roads, with 434 on SORN.
What is the typical mileage of a Mini First at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mini First is 63,803 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 55,707 and 85,544 miles.
Buying a used First?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 74.8% pass rate and an average repair bill of £56 when things go wrong, budget accordingly.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.