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2011 MINI 1.6L Petrol · SA51 ALE

SA51 ALE

2011 MINI (1.6L, petrol). First registered 17 Nov 2011. Recorded mileage 105,210 miles. MOT expired on 04 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.

Make & Model
MINI MINI
Year / Origin
2011 · Glasgow
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 04 Oct 2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
Recorded Mileage
105,210 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 04 Oct 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Dec 2026
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2011
Engine
1598cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a worsening condition regarding suspension-related components. While the most recent test on September 27 2025 at 105,210 miles passed, it followed a failure immediately prior due to a structural failure in the offside front tyre. That same failed test also identified wear on both front inner suspension arm bushes and a non-excessive oil leak, indicating that the front end assembly is reaching the end of its service life. At 105,210 miles over 15 years, the car has averaged approximately 7,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage accumulation is steady over the last two years, with only 500 miles recorded between September 2024 and September 2025, and 773 miles between October 2023 and September 2024. This low annual mileage suggests infrequent use, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals rather than high-mile wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension, as the record shows a recurring history of faults. The tester noted play in the nearside front ball joint in September 2024, followed by worn bushes on both sides in September 2025. These issues suggest that the front steering and suspension components are nearing comprehensive replacement. Furthermore, the front oil leak identified in the 2025 tests requires physical investigation to determine if it originates from a simple gasket seal or a more critical engine seal, as the leak persisted despite the tyre replacement and pass.
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SA51 ALE Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 27/09/2025
  • 105,210 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (3 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

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SA51 ALE MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 30 Jul 2026, 08:28
MOT Analysis

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 2011 Mini Mini (SA51 ALE) between October 2022 and September 2025.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 27 September 2025 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: Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 6 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 tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

SA51 ALE Mileage History

  1. 06/10/2022101,702 mi
  2. 02/10/2023103,940 mi+2,238 mi
  3. 16/09/2024104,713 mi+773 mi
  4. 26/09/2025105,210 mi+497 mi
  5. 27/09/2025105,210 mi

Average of roughly 1,179 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
50
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Good MOT pass rate (80%)
1 dangerous defects found recently
Older vehicle
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
62/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,100-£1,400
Mileage
At 105,210 miles for a November 2011 veh...

Our Verdict

This 2011 MINI offers fun driving dynamics and modest mileage for its age, but upcoming suspension and potential engine oil leaks require careful consideration. A pre-purchase inspection is advised to verify the extent of the noted advisories before committing.

When viewing this MINI, check the service history to see if the front suspension arm bushes and front oil leak have been investigated or repaired since the September 2025 MOT. Negotiate on price to account for the upcoming suspension work, as replacing worn bushes will be required soon. Ensure you inspect the condition of all four tyres, given the vehicle's history of tyre-related MOT failures and advisories.

Running costs for this 1.6-litre petrol MINI should be relatively manageable, sitting in a moderate insurance group and offering sensible fuel economy for everyday driving. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) will align with standard petrol bands for a 2011 vehicle. Maintenance costs may be slightly elevated in the short term due to the advisory for front suspension arm bushes and an oil leak noted in the latest MOT test.

Pay close attention to the front suspension components, specifically the inner suspension arm bushes which have been flagged as worn on multiple MOT tests. Inspect the engine bay thoroughly around the front for any signs of the oil leak mentioned in the September 2025 test. Additionally, check the tyre health across all corners, ensuring tread depth is well above the legal minimum and checking for any perishing or structural damage.

First registered in November 2011, this blue petrol MINI (1598cc) has covered 105,210 miles as of its September 2025 MOT test. The vehicle has generally been maintained through annual tests, though it has recorded two historical failures—most recently in September 2025 due to a dangerous tyre structural tear, which was promptly rectified before passing the following day. Current MOT advisories highlight front inner suspension arm bushes and a front oil leak, pointing to necessary maintenance in the near future.

MINI models of this era require diligent maintenance, particularly regarding suspension wear, oil leaks, and timing chain health.

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