2023 MINI One: known problems and what to check
Cars registered in 2023 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2023 MINI One, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2023 MINI One
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.
- Manual gearbox
Clutch hydraulics and pedal spring
On manual cars the clutch can play up, either from the hydraulics or the pedal return spring.
At the viewing: Feel the clutch pedal on the test drive: it should be smooth and come back up fully.
If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic
- Manual gearbox
Jumping out of gear
Some cars jump out of gear, usually first gear at low speed. Adjusting the gear linkage usually fixes it.
At the viewing: Pull away in first several times and check it stays in gear.
- All engines
Paint worn at the door pillar
Door rubbers can wear through the paint on the pillar behind the front doors.
At the viewing: Open the doors and check the paint on the pillar.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 MINI One
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the clutch or its hydraulics had any work?
- Has the gear linkage been adjusted?
- Has any paintwork been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2023 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Looking at a MINI One?
Check the actual car: tax, ULEZ, fuel costs and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MINI One compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,208 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 1,313 | Tyres 29% |
| 2020 | 1,138 | Tyres 30% |
| 2019 | 1,556 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 1,568 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 5,366 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 8,296 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 10,360 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 6,152 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 7,001 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 4,267 | Tyres 32% |
| 2011 | 1,045 | Tyres 34% |
| 2010 | 599 | Tyres 33% |
| 2009 | 343 | Tyres 33% |
| 2008 | 290 | Brakes 39% |
| 2007 | 252 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 2006 | 183 | Brakes 52% |
| 2005 | 196 | Brakes 55% |
| 2004 | 134 | Brakes 57% |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score