2004 MINI 1.6L Petrol · AV54 HTA

Front‑suspension wear dominates the MOT narrative, with near‑identical advisories for both the nearside and offside front inner suspension arm pins or bushes recorded in 2024 and again in 2025, each noted as worn but not yet causing excessive movement. The most recent test on 25 April 2026 confirmed a pass, the only comment being the two‑seat configuration, while the earlier 2024 test also flagged a slight power‑steering pipe seepage and a minor exhaust leak. Apart from a single failure in March 2020 centred on a rear plate lamp and a wiper, the car has consistently cleared MOT with only advisory items, indicating a pattern of gradual component wear rather than acute failure. At 85,754 mi the vehicle averages roughly 3,900 mi per year, well below the typical annual mileage for a 22‑year‑old car. This low utilisation suggests periods of light driving or possible extended storage, which can be benign for wear‑dependent items but may allow corrosion to develop unnoticed. The MOT history shows uninterrupted annual testing, with no substantial mileage jumps between tests, so the recorded mileage aligns with the observed wear trends and does not hide any sudden high‑usage episodes. When inspecting the front suspension, feel for any looseness or knocking when the car is driven over bumps, and check the tyre wear pattern for signs of uneven loading that could confirm the worn arm pins or bushes. A visual inspection of the power‑steering pipe should look for any dampness or fresh fluid around the rear of the engine, while the steering feel should remain smooth without intermittent loss of assistance. The exhaust system should be examined for soot around joints and a listening test at idle and light throttle for ticking or hissing that would betray a leak at the previously noted joints. Replace the rear registration‑plate lamps to eliminate the recurring lighting fault, and verify that the windscreen wiper now clears effectively, as the 2020 failure indicates it was previously out of order. Given the age and mileage, a comprehensive check of the front suspension bushings, power‑steering hose, and exhaust joints is advisable before purchase, with particular attention to any fluid stains, abnormal noises, or steering irregularities that would confirm the advisory items have progressed beyond their advisory status.