2012 MINI Coupe · 3,209 MOT tests
2012 MINI Coupe reliability
2012 MINI Coupes fail 23.4% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 2 Coupe years (3,209 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MINI Coupes: 27.6%)
- 23.4%
- first-time fail rate (all MINI Coupes: 27.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 62,104
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,209
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Strong point: suspension, 58% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 MINI Coupe
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.8%
- Tyres5%
- Suspension4.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
- Brakes3.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.2%
- Body, chassis and structure0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 5.11%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.75%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.59%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.59%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Stop lamp not working 1.28%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.15%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.69%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.88%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.98%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.46%) · Road wheel slightly distorted (3.15%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.84%)
Other years
Every MINI Coupe year
The full picture: MINI Coupe reliability. Before you pay for any MINI Coupe, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 MINI Coupe reliable?
2012 MINI Coupes fail 23.4% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 2 Coupe years (3,209 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 MINI Coupe MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (5.11% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.75% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.59% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 MINI Coupe have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 MINI Coupe shows 62,104 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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