Mini Mini Cooper S (2002)
2002 Mini Mini Cooper S
CarHunch analysed 350 real MOT records for the 2002 Mini Mini Cooper S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
At just 39% first-time pass rate, the 2002 MINI Cooper S struggles significantly compared to the UK average of 80%—these cars are nearly twice as likely to fail their MOT on the first attempt. The dangerous defect rate of 4% is low, so safety isn't the primary concern, but petrol versions pass at only 33.7%, suggesting mechanical unreliability is the real issue here.
With a median mileage of just 45,334 miles for a 22-year-old car, these Coopers have been driven relatively gently, yet they still average 0.67 failures and 1.7 advisories per test—a sign that age and design weaknesses matter more than hard use. If you're considering one, budget for repairs before and after purchase, and have a pre-buy inspection focus on the engine bay and suspension components that are clearly causing the bulk of failures.
What to check before buying a 2002 Mini 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.
- 📄 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 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 (86%) | 301 | 33.7% | 0.57 |
| Other (14%) | 48 | 73.1% | 1.25 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 0% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2002 Mini 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 2002 Mini Mini Cooper S vehicles fall between 33,731 and 60,812 miles.
2002 Mini Mini Cooper S — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 13 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (33% of peak).
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 Mini Cooper S?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.