2018 MINI John Cooper Works 2.0L Petrol · YD18 KEX
2018 MINI John Cooper Works (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Jun 2018. Recorded mileage 26,888 miles. MOT valid until 22 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS
- Year / Origin
- 2018 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Mar 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 26,888 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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YD18 KEX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/01/2026
- 26,888 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YD18 KEX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2018 Mini John Cooper Works (YD18 KEX) between June 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 21 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii)”.
YD18 KEX Mileage History
- 12/06/202316,813 mi
- 23/01/202417,707 mi+894 mi
- 21/01/202522,362 mi+4,655 mi
- 20/01/202626,888 mi+4,526 mi
- 21/01/202626,888 mi
Average of roughly 3,858 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A 2018 MINI John Cooper Works with relat
Given the January 2026 MOT failure for bulges on both front tyres, the very first thing to verify is whether these tyres have been replaced with matching, high-quality items suited to the JCW's performance remit — budget at least £300-£500 for a quality pair of run-flat replacements if not. The 2023 advisory about front brake imbalance is significant on a 2.0-litre hot hatch producing around 228bhp; ask for evidence of brake disc and pad replacement since then, and budget for replacement if it hasn't been done, as JCW brakes wear faster than standard MINI items.
Ask the seller to see any service history, particularly for the B48 2.0-litre engine's timing chain, which has been a known concern on early applications. Check that the car has had its recommended oil changes at 12-month or 15,000-mile intervals, and verify the mileage progression between MOTs makes sense — the jump from 22,362 miles in January 2025 to 26,888 in January 2026 represents roughly 4,500 miles in a year, which is reasonable but worth confirming. A pre-purchase inspection by a MINI specialist is strongly recommended given the car's performance focus and the recent failure.
Fuel economy for the MINI John Cooper Works typically ranges from 35-42mpg combined depending on driving style, though enthusiastic use will see this drop into the mid-20s. Annual road tax sits in the £165-£190 band for a 2018 2.0-litre petrol. Insurance is likely to fall into group 30-34, which can push premiums to £700-£1,200 per year for younger drivers, though older buyers with no-claims history may see substantially less.
Servicing through a MINI main dealer is on the pricey side — an interim oil service typically costs £200-£300, with a full service closer to £400-£500. Tyres are a notable running cost on this car given the January 2026 failure; JCW-fitment run-flats can run £150-£250 each, so budgeting for replacements every 15,000-20,000 miles is realistic. Brake wear is also higher than on standard MINIs due to the performance specification. Overall, expect annual running costs in the region of £1,800-£2,500 depending on mileage and driving style.
Start with a close inspection of both front tyres, looking for any signs of cracking, uneven wear, or sidewall bulges — the January 2026 failure specifically cited bulges on both front tyres due to structural separation, which suggests possible age-related degradation or impact damage. Check the tread depth with a gauge; anything below 4mm will need replacing soon. Also inspect the rear tyres, as wear patterns on a JCW can reveal suspension or alignment issues.
The 2023 advisory noted that front brake imbalance requirements were only just met, so a thorough brake inspection is essential. Jack the car up (or use a ramp) and check the front discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion around the edges. Measure disc thickness against the minimum specification stamped on the disc itself. On the road, perform a firm brake test from 40mph — any pulling to one side or vibration through the pedal would confirm further investigation is needed. Beyond the MOT-recorded items, the B48 engine should be checked for any timing chain rattle on cold start, and the notoriously firm JCW suspension should be inspected for worn bushes and top mounts, which can deteriorate quickly on UK roads given the car's stiff setup.
This June 2018 MINI John Cooper Works in grey has covered 26,888 miles across five recorded MOT tests, with four passes and one failure. The single failure in January 2026 related to bulges on both front tyres, indicating structural tyre degradation. A 2023 advisory flagged that the front brakes were only just meeting requirements, which is worth investigating given the high-performance nature of the JCW model. Overall mileage is below average for an eight-year-old performance car, though the recent tyre failure is a concern.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available specifically for the MINI John Cooper Works variant, so model-wide reliability trends cannot be quantified from the records provided. Generally, the JCW is regarded as a well-engineered but mechanically demanding performance car that rewards diligent maintenance.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
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Experian
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AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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