Mini Mini (R59)
From 446 MOT tests. Average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by fuel type
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements and wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen. The top issue, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, caused 24 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.
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 24 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 11 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 9 |
| stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 8 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 6 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 6 |
| stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning | 6 |
| a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 6 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 5 |
| windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 5 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. Only 19.8% of Mini (R59) 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 £44.
Fuel type matters
Petrol versions pass at 79.5% while Diesel versions pass at 70.2%, a 9 percentage point gap.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 77.2% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
Typical mileage
Half of all Mini (R59)s tested had between 52,699 and 92,418 miles on the clock.
At 70,949 median miles, the Mini (R59) has 0.034 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 Mini (R59) MOT pass rate?
The Mini Mini (R59) has a 76% MOT pass rate based on 446 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mini Mini (R59)?
The most common MOT failure on the Mini Mini (R59) is a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, which caused 24 failures. Other common issues include tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements.
What is the typical mileage of a Mini Mini (R59) at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mini Mini (R59) is 70,949 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 52,699 and 92,418 miles.
Buying a used Mini (R59)?
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 76% pass rate and an average repair bill of £44 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.