2013 MINI Mini (R60) diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel MINI Mini (R60) first registered in 2013 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 301 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 301 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2013 MINI Mini (R60) diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2013 MINI Mini (R60) diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres36% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes18% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension16% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts5% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2013 MINI Mini (R60) diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
Worn water pump
A whistle at idle that goes when you blip the throttle usually means the water pump is worn.
At the viewing: Listen at tickover once the engine is warm.
If it needs doing: Water pump, about £115–£375. ClickMechanic
Source: Parkers: MINI hatch buying guide
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 MINI Mini (R60) diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a MINI Mini (R60)?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MINI Mini (R60) compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 13,235 | Tyres 32% |
| 2011 | 19,816 | Tyres 32% |
| 2010 | 3,183 | Tyres 29% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MINI Mini (R60) cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score