1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Rover MINI MOT pass rate and common faults

754 MOT tests in 2024. 67.6% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time67.6%
Failed or needed repairs32.4%
Typical mileage at test52,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 754 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.8%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.5%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.1%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.7%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.3%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.1%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.8%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.7%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.5%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics28.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks26.1%
  3. Brakes16.2%
  4. Suspension14.3%
  5. Body & chassis8.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.1%
  7. Steering5.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.7%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.3%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.2%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play5.2%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1996 Rover MINI?

In 2024, 67.6% of 1996 Rover MINI cars passed their MOT first time, across 754 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Rover MINI?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Rover MINI reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).