Mini First MOT Check

MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the Mini First. Check any First by registration number below.

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77.5%

Avg Pass Rate

-4.2%

vs Mini Avg

Year Ranges

Good

Reliability

Mini First — MOT Reliability Overview

The Mini First has an average MOT pass rate of 77.5%, which is 4.2 percentage points below the Mini brand average of 81.7%. This is a reasonable result that reflects typical UK reliability standards. Regular servicing and addressing advisories promptly will help keep your First on the road.

The most common reasons a Mini First fails its MOT are windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning. If you are preparing your First for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.

Before buying a used Mini First, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.

MOT Pass Rate by Year

How the Mini First performs at MOT across different model years.

2013

Based on 2,023 vehicles

81.7%Good

Mini average: 81.7%

Dangerous Defects

4.3%

Retest Rate

20.4%

Mileage at 10yr

100k mi

2012

Based on 1,117 vehicles

82.6%Good

Mini average: 81.7%

Dangerous Defects

3.8%

Retest Rate

17.8%

Mileage at 10yr

111k mi

2011

Based on 392 vehicles

74.7%Average

Mini average: 81.7%

Dangerous Defects

3.5%

Retest Rate

27.0%

2010

Based on 318 vehicles

78.3%Good

Mini average: 81.7%

Dangerous Defects

5.3%

Retest Rate

20.3%

2009

Based on 111 vehicles

63.1%Below Average

Mini average: 81.7%

Dangerous Defects

3.2%

Retest Rate

22.6%

0

Based on 1,887 vehicles

84.6%Good

Mini average: 81.7%

Mileage at 5yr

68k mi

Top MOT Failures — Mini First

The most common reasons a Mini First fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.

Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen

3.1%

A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

2.9%

Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

2.4%

The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

2.3%

Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen

1.7%

Mini First Common Faults & Repair Costs

Where Failures Occur

The areas of the vehicle most commonly flagged during MOT inspections.

Front Offside

4.3%

Front Nearside

4.1%

Nearside

2.6%

Other Mini Models

Compare MOT reliability across Mini models.

Mini Mini Cooper Park Lane

53.2% pass rate

Mini Countryman Cooper Brdwalk Ed A

93.8% pass rate

Mini Cooper S

76.5% pass rate

Mini Mini

84.3% pass rate

Mini Mini-n

87.8% pass rate

Mini Roadster

86.8% pass rate

Useful MOT Guides

Common MOT Failures

The most common reasons UK vehicles fail their MOT — and how to prepare.

MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist to improve your chances of passing first time.

Advisory vs Failure

Understanding the difference between MOT advisories and failures.

See detailed fault analysis for Mini First

Mini First — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Mini First MOT and reliability.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Mini First?

The average MOT pass rate for the Mini First is 77.5% compared to the Mini average of 81.7%. Pass rates vary by year — check the year-by-year breakdown on this page for details.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Mini First?

The most common MOT failures on the Mini First are: Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen (3.1%), A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning (2.9%), Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning (2.4%). These are the components most likely to cause an MOT failure.

Is the Mini First reliable?

With an average MOT pass rate of 77.5%, the Mini First is rated as "Good" for reliability. This is a strong result suggesting good build quality and fewer common defects.

How do I check the MOT history of a Mini First?

Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search box at the top of this page. You will instantly see the complete MOT history including every test result, mileage readings, advisories, and dangerous defects — completely free.

What mileage should I expect on a Mini First?

Typical mileage for the Mini First: 100,045 miles at 10 years. Use these benchmarks when evaluating a used First to spot vehicles with unusually high or low mileage.

Check Your Mini First's MOT History

Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.