2013 MINI John Cooper Works: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 MINI John Cooper Workss, from 824 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2013 MINI John Cooper Works MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension22% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres20% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes18% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks4% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Timing chain rattle (petrol)Petrol
Worn timing chains and guides are a known costly repair on these petrol engines, often from low oil levels.
At the viewing: Ask the seller not to warm the engine before you arrive. A rattle on a cold start is a warning sign.
Source: Parkers: MINI hatch buying guide
- Turbo wear (Cooper S)Turbo petrol models
High oil use can wear the turbo quickly on turbo petrol models.
At the viewing: Once warm, rev it hard and look for blue smoke or a burning oil smell.
Source: Parkers: MINI hatch buying guide
- Worn water pump
A whistle at idle that goes when you blip the throttle usually means the water pump is worn.
At the viewing: Listen at tickover once the engine is warm.
If it needs doing: Water pump, about £115–£375. ClickMechanic
Source: Parkers: MINI hatch buying guide
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,514 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 2,687 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 3,082 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 2,715 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 2,890 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 3,028 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | 2,040 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 1,658 | Tyres 24% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 MINI John Cooper Workss registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score