2022 MINI Cooper Classic Auto 1.5L Petrol · AV72 RXT

The MOT history for this 2022 MINI Cooper Classic presents an unusual administrative anomaly that warrants immediate attention from any prospective buyer. On the same date of 10 October 2025, the vehicle holds two separate MOT test entries: one recorded as a pass and the other as a failure, both showing no defects recorded. This duplicated entry pattern is frequently indicative of either a data entry irregularity at the testing station, a tester submitting the initial assessment incorrectly before reissuing the pass, or a vehicle that was initially presented in an unroadworthy state, refused, and then immediately retested after a minor rectification that was not formally documented. While the absence of recorded defects on the failure entry is mechanically reassuring, this dual-record situation should be queried with the seller and clarified against the physical MOT certificate and any garage invoices from that date. With just 13,700 miles recorded over a four-year period, this Cooper Classic has covered an average of only 3,425 miles annually, a notably low accumulation rate that places the vehicle firmly in the low-mileage category. Such modest usage means the major mechanical assemblies, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, have experienced minimal thermal cycling and wear, which generally preserves their service life. However, low mileage does not automatically equate to mechanical perfection; it frequently masks issues associated with vehicles that spend extended periods stationary, where moisture settles in the engine oil, brake discs develop surface corrosion from infrequent use, and underbody components can deteriorate despite the lack of high-mileage friction. The continuity of annual testing up to 2025 suggests the vehicle remained on the road throughout its life rather than being laid up for consecutive years, which is a positive indicator against deep-seated corrosion or seized components. For a prospective buyer evaluating this vehicle, the test drive should focus heavily on the components most affected by low-mileage garage storage. When moving off from cold, listen for any timing chain rattle or diesel-like knock from the engine bay, as these are common indicators of oil drain-down in infrequently driven engines. The brakes are a critical inspection point; expect to feel a judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal on the first few applications as surface corrosion on the discs is cleared away. If the judder persists beyond the initial stops, it points to uneven disc wear or pad material transfer that will require replacement. Pay close attention to the operation of the dual-clutch or automatic transmission, ensuring it selects gears smoothly without hesitation, and verify that the electronic parking brake releases cleanly without a thump or warning indicator on the dashboard. Beyond the rolling road test, a physical examination should include placing the vehicle on a ramp to inspect the underbody for any rust formation on the suspension arms, rear subframe, and exhaust hangers, areas that can corrode rapidly on a car that is driven in winter conditions but never properly warmed through. Check the condition of the tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which would suggest the geometry has been upset by kerbing during low-speed manoeuvres rather than high-mileage wear. Finally, given the duplicated MOT entry from October 2025, request to see the original green advisory sheet or VT20 certificate to confirm the mileage recorded at the time, and consider obtaining a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist to verify the integrity of the transmission and engine oil condition, ensuring the low recorded mileage is a true reflection of the vehicle's mechanical state.