2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 MINI Countryman MOT pass rate and common faults

2,416 MOT tests in 2024. 72.9% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time72.9%
Failed or needed repairs27.1%
Typical mileage at test82,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,416 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working5.4%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
    81 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8%
    57 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.2%
    43 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too high1.1%
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics14.9%
  2. Tyres8.0%
  3. Brakes5.3%
  4. Suspension4.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  6. Emissions & leaks3.2%
  7. Body & chassis1.2%
  8. Wheels0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.5%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.7%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2012 MINI Countryman?

In 2024, 72.9% of 2012 MINI Countryman cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,416 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 MINI Countryman?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 MINI Countryman reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).