MINI MINI (R57)2009 · 1.6L PETROL

This 2009 MINI has covered a low average of roughly 5,200 miles per year, which is below typical usage. While this can suggest light use, it also raises the possibility of short journeys or periods of standing, both of which can accelerate wear on brakes, suspension, and seals. The most recent MOT in February 2026 shows a clear worsening trend. The car passed, but the list of defects is notably longer and more serious than in previous years. The 2025 test had a binding brake, a distorted wheel, a damaged windscreen, and an oil leak. The 2026 test repeats all of those issues and adds a worn front brake pad, a front drag link end ball joint with slight play, and a second binding rear brake. This pattern indicates that maintenance is being deferred, and the vehicle's condition is deteriorating rather than stabilising. The recurring binding brakes (nearside front and now offside rear) suggest sticking calipers or seized sliders, a common issue on cars that sit idle or only do short trips. The distorted nearside front wheel has been flagged for two years in a row, meaning it has not been replaced. The slight play in the drag link end ball joint is a steering component that will eventually need replacement for safety.