2018 MINI Countryman 1.5L Petrol · DF68 HCG

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 11 October 2025. While the overall testing history shows a consistent record of passes without major failures, the maintenance trend shows a slight increase in advisories over the last two years. Specifically, the recent focus on tyre condition and the recurring note regarding engine undertrays suggests that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, there may be minor lapses in preventative maintenance or a lack of thoroughness in previous inspections due to restricted access to the underside of the vehicle. With 73,581 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,200 miles per year. This represents typical, moderate usage for a modern crossover and suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly enough to prevent excessive component seizure from long periods of standing, yet has not been subjected to the heavy wear associated with high-mileage commercial or intensive long-distance use. At this mileage, you should expect standard wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, and suspension bushes, which is consistent with the vehicle's age and usage profile. Regarding the specific advisories, the repeated mention of engine covers and undertrays preventing a full inspection is a point of concern for a prospective buyer. This means the technician could not adequately inspect the engine bay or the chassis for oil leaks, coolant weeping, or structural corrosion. During your inspection, you should request that the undertrays be removed to verify the condition of the sump, gearbox, and exhaust system. Additionally, the recent advisories for worn tyre edges and a nail in the offside rear tyre suggest that the vehicle's wheel alignment may be out of specification. On your test drive, pay close attention to whether the steering pulls to one side or if there is any vibration through the steering wheel at higher speeds, which could indicate tracking issues or uneven tyre wear. Finally, given the vehicle's age, you should perform a physical check of the tyre sidewalls for any signs of perishing or cracking, particularly if the tyres are older than five years. Inspect the brake discs for excessive corrosion or scoring, and ensure there is no sign of binding calipers. It is also advisable to verify the service history to ensure that fluid changes, such as brake fluid and engine oil, have been carried out according to the manufacturer's intervals rather than just relying on the MOT record. Check the 12V battery for any signs of terminal corrosion and confirm that the windscreen, which had a minor damage advisory in 2022, is now free of any new chips or cracks that could lead to structural failure.