Mini Cooper S (2006)
2006 Mini Cooper S
CarHunch analysed 337 real MOT records for the 2006 Mini Cooper S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2006 MINI COOPER S passes its MOT first time in only 69.5% of cases, well below the UK average of 80%, and nearly 43% of these cars have recorded at least one dangerous defect during their MOT history—a significant safety concern for any buyer. The petrol engines show no meaningful variation at 69.1%, so fuel type isn't the issue here.
These cars are averaging 65,000 miles at test time, which is reasonable for their age, but they're racking up an average of 4.27 failures and nearly 30 advisories per test, suggesting chronic wear and maintenance issues. Before buying, get a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on the cooling system, electrics, and suspension—these early Coopers are known for expensive failures in those areas—and factor in ongoing repair costs as a real ownership reality.
What to check before buying a 2006 Mini Cooper S
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 43% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mini Cooper S
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (97%) | 328 | 69.1% | 4.37 |
| Other (3%) | 9 | 84.1% | 0.78 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2006 Mini Cooper S vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2006 Mini Cooper S vehicles fall between 48,988 and 74,596 miles.
2006 Mini Cooper S — Still on the Road
195 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 75% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Mini Cooper S?
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