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Austin Mini reliability by build year

Coverage 1959-19801 named generationHatchbackPETROL
At a glance

Austin Mini built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Austin Minis built before 2000 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an Austin Mini by number plate

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Austin Minis built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Austin Minis built before 2000 involves the suspension.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Austin Mini's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Axles & Wheels

Worth checking

Inspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Over the last three years, fail rates fell, then rose again. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your Mini's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

Mini Classic

Classic (1959-1980)

Too close to call between ratings
PETROL

22.6% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 3,373 MOT tests at this ageView details →

By age

Austin Mini fail rate by age

This chart combines every Austin Mini ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
3,37322.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 25+ year old Austin Minis

These issues come from 25+ year old Austin Minis, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    16.9%
    Advisory: 564Fail: 12 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.7%
    Advisory: 498Fail: 120 (19% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Wheel bearing has slight play

    8.5%
    Advisory: 318Fail: 42 (12% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Major

    Exhaust emissions above the limit

    6.6%
    Advisory: 20Fail: 242 (92% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    6.2%
    Advisory: 193Fail: 30 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,373 MOT tests on 25+ year old Austin Minis, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 25+ year old Austin Minis notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Other + Suspension22%
  2. Brakes + Suspension21%
  3. Brakes + Other20%
  4. Fuel & oil + Suspension20%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 1,259 MOT tests on Austin Mini cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Austin Mini.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Austin Mini name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Ford Sierra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%

    Lower fail rate: 11.5%, against 22.6% for the Austin Mini, both built before 2000.

    3,022 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Vauxhall Nova

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.8%
    Dangerous
    2.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 22.6% for the Austin Mini, both built before 2000.

    1,003 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 22.6% for the Austin Mini, both built before 2000.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,760 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Ford Escort

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.6%
    Dangerous
    3.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.8%, against 22.6% for the Austin Mini, both built before 2000.

    10,088 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Austin Mini across all generations combined fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 3,373 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Austin Mini ever sold: 3,373 tests. The main figures are for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old): 3,373 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.