2006 MINI 1.6L Petrol · VU56 ABN
2006 MINI (1.6L, petrol). First registered 28 Nov 2006. Recorded mileage 142,115 miles. MOT valid until 30 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- MINI MINI
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,115 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
VU56 ABN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/07/2026
- 142,115 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VU56 ABN 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 2006 Mini Mini (VU56 ABN) between January 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (8 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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: “Emissions unable to be completed engine overheating (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))”.
VU56 ABN Mileage History
- 17/01/2024127,258 mi
- 12/02/2025137,475 mi+10,217 mi
- 16/04/2026142,110 mi+4,635 mi
- 30/06/2026142,110 mi
- 02/07/2026142,115 mi+5 mi
Average of roughly 6,050 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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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.
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 significant caution. While this 2006 black MINI has a fresh MOT, the recent history reveals a pattern of serious mechanical failures, particularly regarding the braking system and engine cooling.
Prioritise a full mechanical inspection of the braking system. The vehicle has a history of binding brakes and a dangerous parking brake failure (April 2026), so ensure these have been properly repaired rather than just patched for the MOT. Request detailed invoices for the work carried out between April and July 2026 to verify the quality of the repairs.
Check the service history specifically for cooling system maintenance. The June 2026 failure due to engine overheating is a red flag for a vehicle of this age and mileage; ensure the radiator and water pump have been inspected. Negotiate the price downwards based on the high mileage and the evidence of recurring mechanical instability seen in the last 12 months.
As a 1.6L petrol model from 2006, this MINI will have moderate fuel costs but lacks the efficiency of modern equivalents. Insurance groups for this era of MINI are generally mid-range, making it accessible for most drivers, though tax will be based on older, less stringent CO2 brackets.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for this vehicle. Given the recent history of suspension bush wear, exhaust leaks, and brake failures, you should budget for frequent repairs to keep the car roadworthy. Expect annual running costs to be skewed towards maintenance rather than just fuel and tax.
Carefully inspect the braking system. The MOT history shows a progression from worn discs (Feb 2025) and binding rear brakes (Jan 2024) to a dangerous parking brake failure and binding service brakes in 2026. Ensure the pedal feel is firm and there is no pulling to one side during braking.
Check for signs of fluid leaks and overheating. The vehicle had an advisory for an oil leak in January 2024 and failed its June 2026 MOT because the engine overheated. Inspect the coolant level, look for milky residue under the oil cap, and check for leaks around the engine block. Finally, check the suspension arm bushes, as these were flagged as worn in February 2025.
This 1.6L petrol MINI has covered 142,115 miles over its 20-year lifespan. The vehicle's recent MOT history is concerning, showing two failures in quick succession in 2026 involving dangerous parking brake efficiency, binding service brakes, and engine overheating. Although it passed its most recent test on 2nd July 2026, the volume of major faults suggests a car that has suffered from deferred maintenance.
Aggregate data is unavailable for this specific model, but the individual history of this vehicle suggests vulnerability in the braking and cooling systems at high mileage.
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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