2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 MINI Cooper S MOT pass rate and common faults

9,441 MOT tests in 2024. 85.8% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

108Above average
Passed first time85.8%
Failed or needed repairs14.2%
Typical mileage at test42,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 9,441 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.7%
    219 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    224 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%
    138 marked dangerous
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.9%
    110 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    68 marked dangerous
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    71 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.9%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.5%
  3. Lights & electrics2.5%
  4. Brakes2.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.7%
  6. Suspension0.7%
  7. Wheels0.4%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.9%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.5%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.7%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 2017 MINI Cooper S?

In 2024, 85.8% of 2017 MINI Cooper S cars passed their MOT first time, across 9,441 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 MINI Cooper S?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 MINI Cooper S reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 108, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).