2002 MINI Cooper S 1.6L Petrol · UN02 CRN

The vehicle presents a history of reactive maintenance where faults are addressed only upon an MOT failure. In the most recent test in July 2025 at 138,589 miles, the car failed due to both the nearside and offside front brake pipes being corroded and covered in grease. This specific defect suggests a potential attempt to mask corrosion or a lack of preventative attention to the braking hydraulic system. While the vehicle passed the re-test the following day, the presence of corrosion on high-pressure brake lines indicates that the braking system has not been proactively maintained against age-related decay. With 138,590 miles recorded over 24 years, this MINI averages approximately 5,775 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average. However, the inspection data from July 2024 at 133,559 miles reveals significant wear on components. The tester flagged an excessively worn offside lower suspension arm ball joint and an offside rear suspension arm pin or bush. Additionally, the offside front tyre was below the legal 1.6mm limit. These mechanical failures suggest that despite the low mileage, the rubber and metal components are failing due to age degradation or long periods of inactivity rather than high usage. The record shows a recurring trend of neglecting electrical and minor mechanical issues. A minor exhaust leak noted in July 2024 persisted until the following year, and multiple lighting faults—such as position lamps emitting white light and stop lamps emitting non-steady red light—indicate that the previous owner only performed the minimum amount of work required to pass the test. A buyer should conduct a thorough structural inspection of the chassis for hidden rust and verify the condition of the suspension bushings, as the history confirms that these components are already prone to excessive wear on this specific example.