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Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2005 MINI 1.6L Petrol · 612 LOU

612 LOU

2005 MINI (1.6L, petrol). First registered 31 Mar 2005. Recorded mileage 73,992 miles. MOT valid until 16 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2027.

Make & Model
MINI MINI
Year / Origin
2005
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 16 Mar 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Sept 2027)
Recorded Mileage
73,992 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Available on IAGC
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 16 Mar 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Sept 2027
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2005
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 presents a mixed picture when assessed through the lens of its mechanical history. Over the recorded period, the MOT results indicate a recurring pattern of advisories rather than consistent issues, which suggests a vehicle that has managed to maintain a relatively clean record despite its age. The mileage of 73,992 miles at approximately 21 years old raises some concerns, as the expected wear would have been more pronounced. However, the consistent presence of minor to moderate warnings across several inspections points to a possible long-term exposure to stress points without major systemic failures. This usage profile, while not ideal, does not immediately signal catastrophic risk but warrants careful attention during the test drive. The suspension system appears to be a key area of interest, with multiple advisories pointing to worn or playful components such as front track rod end ball joints and rear inner brake discs. On a drive, the buyer should pay close attention to any unusual play in these areas, particularly when navigating bumps or turns. The presence of corroded brake pipes and a persistent oil leak further emphasizes the need to inspect the braking and lubrication systems thoroughly. These findings align with the recurring advisories and suggest that while the car may not have suffered a sudden breakdown, its components are under consistent strain. Given the vehicle’s history, it is advisable to focus on the specific mechanical components flagged during the MOTs. The front headlamp lens and windscreen wiper performance also merit inspection, as they can affect driving safety. A thorough test drive should prioritize these zones to ensure there are no hidden issues that could compromise roadworthiness. Overall, the car seems to have a record of manageable wear, but the buyer should be prepared for a detailed assessment of its structural and braking integrity.
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612 LOU Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 17/03/2026
  • 73,992 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (15 mentions)

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

612 LOU MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 4 Nov 2026, 04:09
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 2005 Mini Mini (612 LOU) between September 2023 and March 2026.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 17 March 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 (15 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 21 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: “Nearside Front Upper Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”; “Offside Rear Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

612 LOU Mileage History

  1. 15/09/202370,362 mi
  2. 21/09/202472,098 mi+1,736 mi
  3. 21/09/202472,098 mi
  4. 11/03/202673,991 mi+1,893 mi
  5. 17/03/202673,992 mi+1 mi

Average of roughly 1,451 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

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.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

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

Buying Score
52/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,100-£1,500
Mileage
At 73,992 miles, the recorded mileage is...

Our Verdict

This 2005 MINI shows recurring items acr

When inspecting this vehicle, examine the physical condition of the brake lines and discs, as brake pipe corrosion and worn discs have been noted across multiple MOT tests from 2023 to 2026. Verify whether the nearside front upper shock absorber bush and brake pipes flagged during the March 2026 failure were fully replaced or merely patched. Request any available receipts for mechanical upkeep to determine how these recurring items have been addressed.

Insurance group ratings for this 1.59-litre petrol MINI are generally moderate, though premiums will depend on individual driver history. Fuel economy should be reasonable for a petrol hatchback of this era, and vehicle excise duty aligns with standard pre-2006 or post-2006 petrol brackets depending on exact CO2 output. Maintenance costs should factor in potential repairs for the noted front oil leak, headlight lens defects, and ongoing suspension and brake wear.

Focus your inspection on the braking system: check the thickness and condition of the brake discs, which have repeatedly been cited for wear, pitting, and scoring in 2023, 2024, and 2026. Inspect the underside for the reported front oil leak and examine the brake pipes front to rear for corrosion, a known weak point highlighted in both the model aggregate data and this vehicle's history. Finally, check the headlamp lenses for the slight defects noted in the March 2026 test and test the suspension components for play or worn bushes.

First registered in March 2005, this blue petrol MINI with a 1598.0cc engine has covered 73,992 miles. Its MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories and recent failures, notably involving the braking system, suspension bushes, and an ongoing front oil leak. The recorded mileage sits well above the national aggregate average for this model, reflecting active road use over its lifetime.

The model has an average MOT pass rate of 75.6%, with headlamps, brake pipes, and tyres forming the top failure reasons across the wider vehicle parc.

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

Vehicle & Plate History

Other vehicles on this plate

MINI MINI
Year: 2005
15/04/2026

Plate Neighbors

Batch Registration Neighbors (612L Series)

Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as 612LOU.

View all 612L series →