2016 MINI Cooper S 2.0L Petrol · AF66 UHH

A generally consistent MOT record underpins this 2016 MINI Cooper S, with the most recent test on 15 July 2026 passing cleanly and no advisories recorded. Across eight tests spanning 2020 to 2026, there is only one outright failure and a small cluster of advisories, suggesting stable roadworthiness on the principal safety items. The single failure occurred on 8 July 2025, when both front tyres were below the 1.6 mm tread limit and the windscreen washer was inoperative, alongside an advisory for perished or cracked offside rear rubber. The same rear-tyre advisory resurfaced on the 10 July 2025 pass, indicating that the rubber issue was acknowledged but not severe enough to fail, while the fronts were clearly replaced in the days between the two tests. Earlier years (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024) passed without comment, and the 2022 test added under-seal and under-tray advisories together with a minor oil leak, none of which were flagged again. At an average of roughly 5,668 miles per year, this Cooper S has covered notably fewer miles than is typical for a ten-year-old car. Such a low annual figure can reflect periods of light use, short journeys, or longer spells standing; it is not in itself a defect, but it does have mechanical implications worth weighing. Low cumulative mileage generally means less wear on major drivetrain and brake components, yet prolonged standing or predominantly short trips can bring their own concerns, particularly around oil condition, brake disc corrosion from infrequent use, and underbody moisture trapping against underseal. The 2022 advisory noting that the vehicle is under-sealed is relevant in this context, as under-seal can mask developing corrosion on subframes, suspension mounting points, and brake lines rather than prevent it. Given the recent tyre and washer failure, the buyer should pay close attention to the state of all four tyres, including the spare if present, looking for uneven shoulder wear, sidewall cracking, and the age of the rubber rather than just tread depth. Because perished or cracking tyres were flagged on the offside rear in consecutive tests, it is worth inspecting both rears carefully and questioning whether all four tyres were replaced together, as mixing ages and brands can upset the handling balance on a MINI. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which on the F56 generation Cooper S often points to worn lower wishbone bushes or front anti-roll bar drop links, and feel for vagueness or vibration through the steering wheel that may indicate worn track rod ends or top mounts. The 2022 advisory of a minor oil leak and the under-seal note together warrant a closer physical examination. With the engine cooled and ideally viewed from underneath on a ramp, look for fresh oil staining around the rocker cover gasket, oil filter housing, and turbo oil feed pipes on this 2.0-litre B48-engined Cooper S, as oil leaks in this area are a known weak point. Inspect visible suspension arms, anti-roll bar linkages, and subframe mounting areas for surface rust or flaking under the underseal, and check the brake pipes and handbrake mechanism for corrosion, which is a common advisory area on MINIs of this age. Finally, because the car has done relatively few miles, listen for any hesitation or flat spots from the turbo, test the clutch for slipping under load in third or fourth gear, and confirm that the air conditioning and heater both produce cold and hot output respectively, as long periods of light use can leave ancillary systems seized or underperforming.