2011 MINI First: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the MINI First first registered in 2011: we looked at the 153 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 153 MOTs of these cars during 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2011 MINI First MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 MINI First MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics33% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Brakes26% 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.
- 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors13% 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 leaks10% 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 on the 2011 MINI First
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.
- Petrol
Timing chain rattle (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 petrol models
Turbo wear (Cooper S)
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
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 MINI First
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I hear it start from cold? Has the timing chain ever been replaced?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a MINI First?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MINI First compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | – | Too few tests |
| 2013 | 795 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 406 | Tyres 29% |
| 2010 | 111 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 2009 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of MINI First cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score