2002 MINI Cooper 1.6L Petrol · HY52 LOF

The most recent MOT on 2025-12-09 recorded a pass with a note about worn front suspension arm pins or bushes, but no excessive movement. This follows a fail on 2025-12-08, which cited a serious fluid leak in the offside rear shock absorber and worn suspension bushings. The pattern of suspension-related issues is clear, with similar defects appearing in earlier MOTs, including excessive wear in front suspension components and rear shock absorber leaks. The vehicle’s 24-year-old age with 106,055 miles (roughly 4,419 miles per year) suggests low mileage, which may indicate light use or extended periods of inactivity. While lower mileage often correlates with less wear on high-mileage components like brakes and drivetrain parts, it can also lead to issues such as dry rot, fluid leaks, or degraded rubber components due to prolonged standing. The recurring suspension bushing wear and shock absorber leaks suggest potential ongoing mechanical stress or insufficient maintenance. The trend of suspension-related defects has remained consistent over multiple MOTs, with no evidence of improvement. The 2023-10-17 fail included severe issues like defective headlamp lenses, excessive play in the front track rod end, and binding brakes, which were not repeated in later tests. However, the 2025-12-08 fail’s serious fluid leak and the 2025-12-09 pass’s worn suspension components indicate that some faults persist. The vehicle’s condition appears stable in terms of major safety risks but shows no signs of significant improvement.