2009 MINI (R57) 1.6L Petrol · FY09 RCZ
2009 MINI (R57) (1.6L, petrol). First registered 28 Apr 2009. Recorded mileage 82,120 miles. MOT valid until 15 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MINI MINI (R57)
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Lincoln
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (23 Dec 2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 82,120 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
FY09 RCZ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/04/2026
- 82,120 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FY09 RCZ 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 2009 Mini Mini (R57) (FY09 RCZ) between November 2021 and April 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 17 April 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: Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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: “Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))”; “Offside Front Road wheel fixing missing (5.2.1 (a) (i))”; “Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”.
FY09 RCZ Mileage History
- 17/11/202162,442 mi
- 10/11/202271,230 mi+8,788 mi
- 04/11/202380,837 mi+9,607 mi
- 07/04/202682,110 mi+1,273 mi
- 17/04/202682,120 mi+10 mi
Average of roughly 4,459 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While this 2009 MINI R57 has relatively low mileage for its age, the recent MOT history reveals significant structural corrosion and maintenance neglect that requires immediate professional attention.
Before considering a purchase, you must have an independent mechanic inspect the sub-frames. The MOT tester noted corrosion on both front and rear sub-frames; while not 'seriously weakened' yet, this is a common and expensive area for MOT failures in older MINIs. You should also verify if the brake pipe corrosion noted in the 2022 and 2026 tests has been properly rectified, as this is a critical safety component.
Check the service history thoroughly to see if the engine management light (which caused a failure in April 2026) was resolved with a permanent fix or just a temporary reset. Given the number of electrical faults recorded recently—including headlamp, indicator, and fog lamp issues—ensure that the complex wiring looms are not suffering from water ingress, a known trait of the R57 convertible roof mechanism.
As a 1.6-litre petrol model, this MINI sits in a moderate insurance group and tax bracket. Fuel economy for the R57 is generally decent, but expect the 1.6 engine to work harder than modern equivalents, potentially impacting real-world efficiency.
Maintenance will be your biggest variable cost. With the current advisories for sub-frame corrosion and brake pipe degradation, you should set aside a significant contingency fund for immediate repairs. Including insurance, road tax, and a realistic budget for ongoing mechanical upkeep, you should expect to spend between £1,200 and £1,600 annually.
Focus your inspection on the underside of the vehicle. Use a torch to check the sub-frames for flaking rust or structural thinning. The brake pipes, which were flagged as corroded and covered in grease, should be inspected for signs of repair or replacement; if they are still the original pipes, they will likely need replacing soon to pass future MOTs.
Test every electrical function, including the convertible roof operation, which is a complex and expensive system on the R57. Given the history of light failures, check that all bulbs and lenses are secure and free from condensation. Finally, confirm the condition of the tyres; the offside rear tyre was flagged for cracking/perishing, which suggests the car may have spent long periods sitting idle.
This red 2009 MINI has covered 82,120 miles, which is well below the national average for a 17-year-old vehicle. However, its recent MOT history is concerning, showing a long list of failures in April 2026, including lighting, electrical, and structural issues. While it passed its most recent test, several advisories regarding sub-frame corrosion and brake pipe integrity suggest that the car has not been maintained to a high standard.
The R57 MINI is known for complex electronics and potential sub-frame corrosion issues as the vehicles age, requiring vigilant maintenance.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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