Rover Mini (1991)
1991 Rover Mini
CarHunch analysed 4,617 real MOT records for the 1991 Rover Mini. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1991 Rover Mini passes its MOT first time only 64.1% of the time—significantly below the UK average of 80%—and nearly a third of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, making safety a genuine concern for buyers. These vehicles are genuinely old and well-used, with a median mileage of 57,352 miles that reflects decades of ownership, yet they still average 3.67 failures and 11 advisories per test, suggesting wear is catching up fast.
What this tells you is that a 1991 Mini needs serious pre-purchase inspection; don't assume a low-mileage example is safe, since the dangerous defect rate is twice the typical threshold. Before committing, get a specialist inspection focused on braking, steering, and structural integrity—these cars are collectable but fragile, and MOT history alone won't protect you.
What to check before buying a 1991 Rover Mini
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.
- ⚠️ 30.9% 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 Rover Mini
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 (100%) | 4,614 | 64.1% | 3.67 |
| Diesel (0%) | 2 | 41.7% | 2 |
| Electric (0%) | 1 | 70.6% | 5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1991 Rover Mini 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 1991 Rover Mini vehicles fall between 39,335 and 73,273 miles.
1991 Rover Mini — Still on the Road
869 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 57% 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 — 1991 Rover Mini
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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75.6%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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54.7%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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43.1%
Oil leak
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28.8%
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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25.5%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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23.3%
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split
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22.7%
Horn not working
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22.5%
Offside Steering rack gaiter split
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1991. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Rover Mini?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.