2005 MINI 1.6L Petrol · LD05 FGE

The 2024‑07‑03 MOT at 104,163 miles certifies the 2005 Mini as roadworthy, yet the maintenance record reveals a worsening rather than improving trend, with the same defects recurring from the July 1 failure. Mileage has risen from 67,198 miles in March 2015 to 104,163 miles in July 2024, a gain of roughly 37,000 miles over 11 years, or about 3,364 miles per year, which is modest for a 21‑year‑old vehicle but indicates intermittent use rather than long periods of standing; notable jumps occur between the 2022 test at 95,412 miles and the 2023 test at 102,451 miles, while earlier years show relatively steady increments. A buyer should therefore focus on the suspension system, where repeated wear of the front suspension arm ball joint and bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i)) and the severe deterioration of the constant‑velocity drive‑shaft boots (6.1.7 (g)) suggest possible loss of alignment and premature tyre wear. The brake assembly also shows a consistent pattern of corrosion on the front brake pipe (1.1.11 (c)) and progressive corrosion and slight play in the front brake hoses (1.1.12 (f) (i)), while earlier tests recorded rear brake binding, demanding a thorough inspection of pads, discs, calipers and fluid condition. Additional checks of the exhaust for insecure mounting (6.1.2 (a)) and verification that the missing rear seats do not conceal structural damage are advisable.