2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 MINI John MOT pass rate and common faults

276 MOT tests in 2024. 72.8% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time72.8%
Failed or needed repairs27.2%
Typical mileage at test69,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 276 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working7.6%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    11 marked dangerous
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.1%
  7. Stop lamp: not working1.1%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.1%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%
    3 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics17.4%
  2. Suspension8.0%
  3. Emissions & leaks6.5%
  4. Tyres4.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  6. Brakes1.8%
  7. Body & chassis1.1%
  8. Steering0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.9%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.9%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.8%

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 John?

In 2024, 72.8% of 2012 MINI John cars passed their MOT first time, across 276 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 MINI John 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).