Mini One (2004)
2004 Mini One
CarHunch analysed 259 real MOT records for the 2004 Mini One. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2004 MINI One passes its MOT first time in only 71.6% of cases, well below the UK average of 80%, and nearly half of these cars (48.3%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a significant reliability red flag for a buyer. With an average of 5.91 failures per vehicle and 41 advisories, these Minis are prone to multiple issues rather than isolated problems.
At 76,000 miles average, these are reasonably well-used examples for their age, yet the high failure count suggests age and wear take a real toll. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection to check the brakes, suspension, and electrical systems, as the advisory data points to recurring issues in these areas typical of ageing Minis.
What to check before buying a 2004 Mini One
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.
- ⚠️ 48.3% 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 One
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 (92%) | 237 | 71.4% | 6.05 |
| Diesel (8%) | 21 | 73.9% | 4.48 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 77.8% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 Mini One 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 2004 Mini One vehicles fall between 55,372 and 87,571 miles.
2004 Mini One — Still on the Road
122 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 55% 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
Most Common MOT Issues — 2004 Mini One
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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179.7%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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77.3%
Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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71.4%
Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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65.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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61.3%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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56.9%
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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46.8%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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44.2%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2004. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mini One?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.