2012 MINI Cooper 1.6L Petrol · DS62 AEM

The 4 December 2025 MOT at 111,344 miles resulted in a pass, confirming that the Mini Cooper remains roadworthy, though the offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover was noted as severely deteriorated and the nearside front suspension pin or bush exhibited wear. Since the 5 December 2023 test, which recorded no defects, the only recurring issues have been suspension wear and occasional brake binding, suggesting a relatively stable maintenance record with minor, addressable faults rather than a worsening mechanical trend. The recorded mileage of 111,344 miles equates to roughly 7,950 miles per year over the vehicle’s 14‑year life, which aligns with typical usage for a 2012 model. Mileage growth has been steady: from 96,356 miles in November 2020 to 107,544 miles in December 2023 represents an increase of 11,188 miles over three years, or about 3,700 miles annually, while the subsequent rise to the current figure adds only 3,800 miles in the following two years. No prolonged periods of zero mileage are evident, and the spacing between tests is consistent with regular annual inspections. A buyer should therefore prioritize a physical inspection of the front suspension components, paying close attention to the condition of the ball joint dust cover, the integrity of the suspension arm bush and pin, and any play in the suspension linkage. The history of rear service brake binding in the 5 December 2023 test warrants a thorough brake system check, including disc wear, pad thickness, and caliper operation, to confirm that the binding was resolved. Additionally, the repeated tyre wear warnings from 2021 indicate that tyre tread depth and sidewall condition should be verified, and the earlier reports of exhaust corrosion and strut mount deterioration suggest a visual assessment of the chassis, exhaust system, and mounting points for rust or structural fatigue. Overall, the vehicle’s maintenance record shows no major mechanical failures, but the recurring suspension and brake advisories, together with the age‑related wear on tyres and exhaust, mean that a prospective purchaser should conduct a detailed on‑site inspection to verify that these items have been properly rectified before finalising the purchase.