2004 MINI Cooper 1.6L Petrol · CU04 PER

This 2004 MINI Cooper passed its most recent MOT on 9 October 2025 at 220,035 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance trend that is stable at best and concerning at worst. The same test day produced both a failure and a pass, indicating a rushed retest after addressing immediate headlamp and wiper defects. Even after repairs, the tester flagged corroded front and rear brake pipes, worn and pitted front brake discs, an offside rear service brake barely meeting requirements, a severely deteriorated nearside front CV boot, a front oil leak, and corroded rear inner sill mounting areas. These are not fresh faults. They represent a pattern of deferred attention that has persisted across multiple test cycles. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. Between October 2022 at 204,250 miles and October 2025 at 220,035 miles, the car covered roughly 15,785 miles in three years, averaging approximately 5,260 miles annually. That is low for a 22-year-old vehicle and suggests light use or periods of standing. Low mileage can preserve some components, but it does not prevent rubber deterioration, brake corrosion, or fluid leaks, all of which appear repeatedly here. The MOT record is reasonably well documented with annual tests, so there are no alarming gaps in the history. A buyer should focus on three areas during any in-person inspection. First, the braking system demands close scrutiny. Corroded brake pipes have appeared on every test since 2022, and the front brake discs have been flagged as worn and pitted since at least 2023. The offside rear brake barely met requirements in October 2025, suggesting a binding caliper or uneven wear. Second, structural corrosion around the rear inner sills and suspension mounting areas has been noted repeatedly since 2022, with the October 2025 test explicitly referencing corrosion within prescribed areas. A thorough underside inspection is essential to confirm whether this is surface rust or something compromising structural integrity. Third, the CV boot deterioration, oil leaks, and recurring headlamp lens defects point to aging rubber components and inconsistent upkeep. The nearside front CV boot was severely deteriorated in October 2025, and the offside front boot had the same issue in October 2022, suggesting these joints may have been neglected between replacements. This MINI Cooper is roadworthy on paper, but the MOT history paints a picture of a car that has been kept running rather than properly maintained. Corroded brake lines, persistent oil leaks, and recurring structural corrosion advisories are not trivial. Any purchase should be contingent on a detailed underside inspection and a willingness to address the braking and suspension corrosion issues that the record shows have been left unresolved for years.