2002 MINI 1.6L Petrol · VX52 AEO

The 2023‑02‑24 MOT at 88,637 miles resulted in a pass, confirming that the MINI remains roadworthy despite earlier recurring faults. The alternating pass and fail record up to 2022 shows that previous owners corrected identified defects, and the two consecutive passes in 2022 and 2023 indicate a stable maintenance trend with no new failures reported since February 2022. Mileage has risen from 63,296 miles in September 2013 to 88,637 miles in February 2023, a total increase of 25,341 miles over ten years, averaging roughly 2,500 miles per year, which is modest for a 24‑year‑old vehicle. The period from September 2019 (81,526 miles) to September 2020 (84,763 miles) saw a 3,237‑mile jump in one year, after which mileage grew more gradually, with only 1,377 miles added between the September 2022 and February 2023 tests. Recurring issues centre on the suspension: rear and front rubber bushes have deteriorated repeatedly, and the offside rear brake showed excessive binding in February 2023, a condition that also appeared in the February 2023 test. Power‑steering seepage was noted in both February 2023 and February 2023 (same date) tests, while tyre wear consistently favours the inner edge, suggesting alignment or camber problems. Earlier failures recorded excessive play in the offside front wheel bearing (September 2020) and structural concerns such as a corroded fuel‑tank strap (September 2019) and worn exhaust mounts (August 2017). A buyer should therefore inspect the condition of the suspension bushes, verify that the rear brakes move freely without binding, examine the power‑steering system for leaks, assess tyre wear patterns and tread depth, test the wheel bearing for play, and look for any rust on the fuel‑tank strap or surrounding chassis, as these components have been flagged repeatedly.