2021 MINI Countryman 1.5L Petrol · FD71 EWT

The defining mechanical story for this 2021 MINI Countryman is one of broadly stable roadworthiness punctuated by a single tyre-related failure and recent edge wear on the front tyres. Across four recorded DVSA tests spanning December 2024 to June 2026, the vehicle has passed on three occasions with no defects recorded, while the most recent test on 13 June 2026 passed but carried advisories on both front tyres for being worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge at 3mm. A failure was also recorded on 23 June 2025 for a nearside rear tyre with a cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords, alongside two presenter-code notes for front windscreen wipers not clearing the glass effectively. The pattern therefore shows that the vehicle has not suffered from any structural, braking, or suspension failures, but the tyre-related defects across two consecutive test cycles are a tangible mechanical concern that a buyer should not dismiss as one-off. Recorded mileage stands at 30,315 miles over five years, equating to roughly 6,063 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical annual usage for a vehicle of this age. There is no evidence of a multi-year lay-up, and the accumulation rate between the December 2024 test and the June 2026 test is consistent with regular but moderate use. Mechanically, this mileage profile suggests that the major drivetrain and suspension components have been worked but not heavily stressed, although the annual mileage alone does not confirm that the vehicle has been maintained in line with manufacturer schedules, as service intervals and fluid changes do not appear within the MOT data. The MOT gap between December 2024 and June 2025 is also worth noting, as the vehicle was not presented for test in early 2025, which is unusual given its third-anniversary test would have fallen in 2024 and was in fact recorded that December. For a prospective buyer, the priority checks on a test drive should focus on the components that have historically drawn advisories or failures on this vehicle, particularly the tyres and wiper system. Inspect the nearside rear tyre wall closely for any cuts, bulges, or exposed cord, as the previous cut-in-excess failure indicates that impacts or kerbing damage have already occurred in that wheel area. On the front axle, examine both front tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, as the recorded edge wear at 3mm suggests the geometry may be drifting; any pulling to one side under acceleration or braking, or uneven steering wheel return, would warrant a four-wheel alignment check. The wipers should be operated across the full swept area on a wet screen, paying particular attention to the nearside and offside front zones where smearing or streaking was previously flagged. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough inspection should cover the suspension, braking, and underbody condition given the vehicle's age and the advisory noting that engine covers and under trays are fitted, which can mask early corrosion or oil leaks. With the under trays removed, check the front subframe, brake pipes, and suspension arms for surface corrosion, and listen for knocking or clonking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar links, drop links, or bushes typical of higher-mileage MINIs. On the road, test the brakes at low speed for any vibration through the pedal or pulling to one side, which could indicate binding calipers or warped front discs, and inspect the rear of the vehicle for parking brake efficiency on an incline. Finally, a thorough pre-purchase inspection on a ramp remains advisable to verify the underbody and drivetrain condition independently of the MOT record.