2009 MINI 1.6L Diesel · BN09 RXT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a recurring pattern of suspension component wear. While the most recent test in February 2026 at 111,418 miles passed, it initially failed due to a nearside front suspension arm ball joint and ineffective windscreen wipers. This follows a similar failure in the February 2025 test at 94,090 miles, where the same ball joint and a nearside track rod end were flagged for having play. At 111,418 miles over 17 years, the car has averaged approximately 6,500 miles per year, which is consistent with low-to-moderate usage. The data shows a significant gap of over 13,000 miles covered between April 2024 and February 2025, and another 17,300 miles between February 2025 and February 2026. This recent surge in mileage suggests more frequent driving lately, which explains the accelerated degradation of rubber-bound suspension parts despite the overall low lifetime mileage. A buyer must personally inspect the front suspension thoroughly, as the repeated failures of the ball joints and track rod end indicate these components are reaching the end of their functional life. The offside rear brake binding noted in 2025 should be checked again to ensure the caliper piston has not seized or caused uneven pad wear on the disc surface. Given the wiper blade failure in the latest test, the condition of the wiper motor and linkage should also be verified to ensure visibility remains adequate in adverse weather.