1999 Rover Mini: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Rover Minis, from 774 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1999 Rover Minis than on all cars registered in 1999.
- Steering rack2.8× usualRover Mini6.2% All 1999 cars2.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Rigid brake pipes: 3.1% here, against 15.4% of all 1999 cars. Tread depth: 3.5% here, against 11.2% of all 1999 cars.
By area
The share of 1999 Rover Mini MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension24% 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.
- Lights and electrics18% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes13% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks13% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Tyres9% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 360 | Suspension 22% |
| 2000 | 1,151 | Suspension 22% |
| 1998 | 836 | Suspension 26% |
| 1997 | 657 | Suspension 24% |
| 1996 | 771 | Suspension 32% |
| 1995 | 766 | Suspension 25% |
| 1994 | 879 | Suspension 24% |
| 1993 | 891 | Suspension 24% |
| 1992 | 779 | Lights and electrics 25% |
| 1991 | 931 | Lights and electrics 26% |
| 1990 | 951 | Lights and electrics 24% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Rover Minis registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score