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MINI Roadster R59 (2012-2015) reliability

At a glance

MINI Roadster R59 built around 2015: about average at the MOT

MINI Roadster R59 models built around 2015 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a MINI Roadster R59?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

17% of MOT tests on MINI Roadster R59 models 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 Roadster R59 models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

MINI Roadster R59
excellent reliability2012-2015ConvertiblePETROL / DIESEL

Based on 3,159 tests of Roadster models registered 2012-2015.

About 1 in 40 Roadster R59 MOTs (2.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,408 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Roadster R59 MOTs (4.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 1,408 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

R59 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
42117.6%
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.

How the Roadster R59 compares

At each age below, see how the Roadster R59 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 68,570 tests across 5 MINI models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMINI average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
42117.6%
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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Roadster R59.

  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 R59, 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 R59, 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 R59 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 R59 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.

How many are still registered

95%of all MINI Roadster cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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.

How Roadster R59 cars have aged

How Roadster R59 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%6789101112Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (887 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (914 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (891 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (860 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (842 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (908 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (889 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (858 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (856 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (882 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (143 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (134 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (125 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (114 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (106 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
R59 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on MINI Roadsters of this age

This list covers every MINI Roadster built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the R59 on its own.

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 tests

Looking at a MINI Roadster R59?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the MINI Roadster R59 (2012-2015) 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.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 3,159 MOT tests on MINI Roadsters first registered between 2012-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.