2007 MINI Mini (R58) — MOT failures & pass rate
The 2007 MINI Mini (R58) passed 73.4% of its 316 recorded MOT tests. All cars of a similar age fail at 26.9%, so the 2007 Mini (R58) sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, emissions & environmental and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (13.0%) and emissions & environmental (12.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are catalyst emissions, position lamp and headlamp aim — catalyst emissions alone was recorded 80 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 19.7% in the 30-60k band and 33.7% in the 90-120k band, a 14.0-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 26.9% of tests without failing them.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 29.2% in 2021 to 23.4% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 13.0% | 41 |
| 2 | Emissions & environmental | 12.7% | 40 |
| 3 | Suspension | 8.2% | 26 |
| 4 | Brakes | 5.1% | 16 |
| 5 | Tyres | 5.1% | 16 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 3.5% | 11 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catalyst emissions | 80 |
| 2 | Position lamp | 21 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 21 |
| 4 | Coil spring | 12 |
| 5 | Tread depth | 9 |
| 6 | Wipers | 8 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 26.9% | 85 |
| 2 | Suspension | 26.3% | 83 |
| 3 | Tyres | 26.3% | 83 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 21.8% | 69 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 12.3% | 39 |
| 6 | Other defects | 7.0% | 22 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 61 | 19.7% |
| 60-90k | 109 | 26.6% |
| 90-120k | 98 | 33.7% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72 | 29.2% |
| 2022 | 67 | 25.4% |
| 2023 | 64 | 23.4% |
| 2024 | 66 | 30.3% |
| 2025 | 47 | 23.4% |
What to check before buying a 2007 Mini (R58)
On a 2007 Mini (R58), lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 13.0% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (13.0% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Emissions & environmental (12.7% of tests): More common on older diesels (DPF/EGR) — can be expensive; check for warning lights and smoke. Typical repair: £100–£600.
- Suspension (8.2% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2007 MINI Mini (R58)s pass their MOT?
73.4% of the 316 2007 MINI Mini (R58) MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 26.6% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2007 MINI Mini (R58)?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 13.0% of tests, followed by emissions & environmental (12.7%).
Does the 2007 Mini (R58) get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 19.7% in the 30-60k band to 33.7% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 316 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.