2007 MINI 1.6L Petrol · FG57 AEX

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the recent MOT history indicates a sharp decline in maintenance standards and reactive repairs. While it passed its most recent test in February 2026 at 109,146 miles, this followed two failures within a two-week window. The transition from a pass in April 2025 to a series of critical failures in early 2026 suggests the car is only being maintained to meet legal requirements rather than through preventative care. At 19 years old, the recorded 109,146 miles represent a low annual average of approximately 5,745 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant burst of activity between April 2025 and February 2026, where the vehicle covered over 5,000 miles in just ten months. This rapid recent usage, combined with the previous reports of black and blue smoke noted in July 2024, suggests the engine may be under stress or that rubber components have perished due to periods of standing followed by use. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the exhaust system and structural integrity. The February 2026 failure revealed a missing catalytic converter and high carbon monoxide readings, which point to potential engine management issues or illegal exhaust bypass. The tester also flagged corrosion on the rear underside, which is a concern for a vehicle of this age and requires a close check for structural rot. Furthermore, the offside track rod end with excessive play indicates that suspension components are reaching the end of their life. The braking and tyre records show a pattern of neglect. The nearside front tyre was repeatedly worn on the inner edge across multiple tests, indicating a persistent alignment fault that has gone unaddressed. The pitted and scored brake discs noted in 2025 suggest that the owner has been delaying standard maintenance. Any prospective buyer should verify that the recent repairs to the track rod, headlamps, and exhaust have been completed correctly before finalizing the purchase.