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MINI Roadster reliability by build year

Coverage 2012-20151 named generationConvertiblePETROL / DIESEL

We've only got 1,408 MOT tests for MINI Roadsters built around 2015 (10 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

MINI Roadster built around 2015: about average at the MOT

MINI Roadsters built around 2015 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Check a MINI Roadster by number plate

Key figure

17% of MOT tests on MINI Roadsters built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on MINI Roadsters built around 2015 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

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

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your Roadster's generation

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

Roadster R59

R59 (2012-2015)

Excellent
DIESELPETROL

16.7% fail rate, built around 2015 (10 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 22.8%)

From 1,408 MOT tests at this ageView details →

By age

MINI Roadster fail rate by age

This chart combines every MINI Roadster 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
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
44017.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,40816.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,19518.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13519.3%

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 12 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 10-year-old MINI Roadsters

These issues come from 10-year-old MINI Roadsters, 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

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    14.1%
    Advisory: 264Fail: 16 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.2%
    Advisory: 230Fail: 34 (13% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.7%
    Advisory: 254Fail: 5 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    5.7%
    Advisory: 87Fail: 11 (11% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    5.5%
    Advisory: 55Fail: 31 (36% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,408 MOT tests on 10-year-old MINI Roadsters, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 10-year-old MINI Roadsters notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Tyres30%
  2. Suspension + Tyres21%
  3. Lighting + Tyres20%
  4. Brakes + Suspension18%

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

Across 376 MOT tests on MINI Roadster cars built around 2015 (10 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

95%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

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.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

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

Like-for-like

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles to compare

  1. 1

    Porsche Boxster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3%
    Dangerous
    1.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.9%

    Lower fail rate: 7.8%, against 16.7% for the MINI Roadster, both built around 2015.

    1,160 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.4%
    Dangerous
    3.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    Lower fail rate: 14.3%, against 16.7% for the MINI Roadster, both built around 2015.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,248 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    BMW Z4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.3%
    Dangerous
    7.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    No clear edge over the MINI Roadster on these figures.

    2,161 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz SLK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.8%
    Dangerous
    6.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    92.7%

    No clear edge over the MINI Roadster on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    5,861 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

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.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the MINI Roadster across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,408 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every MINI Roadster ever sold: 3,178 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2015 (10 years old): 1,408 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.