2005 MINI 1.6L Petrol · FY55 HMX

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift towards neglected rubber components and minor mechanical wear. The most recent test in September 2025 at 96,754 miles passed despite advisories for cracking and perishing both front and rear tyres. This follows a 2024 inspection where a noisy offside front wheel bearing was flagged alongside a damaged offside front tyre, indicating that the vehicle is beginning to show age-related degradation. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 96,754 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 4,600 miles. This low-use pattern is evident in the significant gap between 2021 and 2022, where the car covered only 460 miles in 14 months. While low mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, long periods of standing often lead to the perishation of seals, hoses, and tyres, which aligns with the recurring tyre issues seen in the latest MOT records. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the tyres, as the recurring notes on perishing suggest the rubber is failing regardless of remaining tread depth. The offside front wheel bearing noted in 2024 should be checked for play or humming noise to ensure it was addressed since then. Additionally, the exhaust leak reported in 2022 should be verified to ensure the rear exhaust box has not suffered further corrosion, which would eventually lead to an emissions failure. Given the vehicle's age, a thorough check for structural rust on the subframe remains essential.