13 replies to this topic

[bpirie1000]

Alright folks,

What are the main reasons these days for a mini to fail a test,

I suspect bodywork and tin worm would be high on the list as always.

What else is everyone falling fowl to these days in an effort to prevent anyone else having a bad mot fail day..

I have an mot check sheet from Haynes to work through next garage time I get..

[Icey]

Ball joints, they’re not lasting long these days and are often neglected.

[weef]

The efficency figure for the rear brakes can also be a problem, the pressure relief valves are problematic.

[Quinlan minor]

The efficiency figure for the rear brakes can also be a problem, the pressure relief valves are problematic.

It's also a problem because the testers are so used to seeing the figures achieved by two tonne four by fours and expect the same figure from a 3 metre long, 620kg Mini.

[mab01uk]

One of the reasons MOT exemption was brought in for 40 year old classic vehicles was because a significant and growing number of the MOT failures recorded by Historic Vehicles were incorrect and caused by MOT testers applying their tests and understanding of modern vehicles, in ways that weren't suitable to older cars, such as failing classic/historic cars with entirely normal acceptable freeplay in old style steering boxes, kingpins and allowable movement tolerances in ball joints, etc, are just a few common examples.

However although there is a good case for some of the MOT checks and regulations to be given leeway on classic cars like Minis, when compared against modern cars, - emissions, oil leaks etc., the basic fundamental safety issues are still important but now rightly or wrongly, rely on the owner/drivers own regular checks, or alternatively submitting their classic car for a voluntary MOT checkover to confirm all is well.

Edited by mab01uk, 31 July 2026 - 10:37 PM.

[MiniJosh92]

I would guess emissions - carb cars not set up properly and running too rich and SPI/MPI cars not meeting the requirements either through the tester not getting the cat hot enough or there being an issue.

[Mito]

Mine generally fails on emissions

[mbolt998]

Back in the day when mine had MOTs they would usually fail you for "excess" play in something (not understanding that a Mini is not a Toyota Avensis and that some play is acceptable and within specification). You would also usually need to make sure the drum brakes had recently been adjusted.

[Midas Mk1]

From working at a restoration specialist, lack of care or regular inspection of any component, rather relying on the mot to find the faults, and the ‘it’s an old car it’ll be fine’ attitude.

[coopertaz]

always try to find a tester that knows about classics, had mine jacked up on the rear floor and put on shaker plates that almost ripped the suspension apart in the past also working on cars that had failed due to engine movement when steering operated(it's on bloody rubber mounts that weren't perished but had to be renewed before it would pass) and another where the front seats were insecure (it lifted then caught on the hook as designed) then when my convertible was built it failed as not enough metal around the seatbelt mount on the B post (tester said does not meet mot requirements until company that did the conversion pointed out to him it means corrosion you dick, their words not mine) now always go to same garage that understands classics

[Designer]

Hi,

 

Same here I always take the Moop to Walton Road Garage East Molesey. They get a lot of classic cars in there and know their stuff.

So anyone on here in that area of Surrey who has difficulty getting an MOT done give them a call and book yor pride and joy in.

 

 

Paddy

[Cooperman]

What I find incongruous is having a Mini fail on emissions, then weakening the mixture off until it will barely run, increasing the tick-over to around 1400, getting it very warm and then it passes (hopefully). Then, once the ticket is in your hands, richening it back up by the number of flats you weakened it, slowing the tick-over back to around 850 rpm and driving it away.

[68+86auto]

The MOT emissions limits are very lenient. If a vehicle cannot pass them easily then it needs repairs.

[john2502]

As has been mentioned having a test centre with some awareness of older cars can be a useful thing, the website below lists some:

 

https://www.fbhvc.co...ly-mot-stations