1998 Rover Mini · 3,512 MOT tests
1998 Rover Mini reliability
1998 Rover Minis fail 27.6% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 5 Mini years (3,512 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Rover Minis: 29.1%)
- 27.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Rover Minis: 29.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 53,710
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,512
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: about average for its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 5.1% of tests fail here (169% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Rover Mini
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.4%
- Suspension9.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.3%
- Brakes7.5%
- Body, chassis and structure6.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.9%
- Steering5.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 3.25%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.13%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 2.16%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 2.16%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.85%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp aim set too high 1.79%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.05%) · Wheel bearing slight play (5.55%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (4.38%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.79%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (3.64%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (3.19%)
Is a 1998 Rover Mini reliable?
1998 Rover Minis fail 27.6% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 5 Mini years (3,512 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Rover Mini MOT?
Most often steering rack gaiter no longer sealed (3.25% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.13% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (2.16% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Rover Mini have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Rover Mini shows 53,710 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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