2018 MINI Cooper 1.5L Petrol · LO06 MOR

The most recent MOT carried out on 13 January 2026 resulted in a pass, but it was accompanied by two advisories – the near‑side front tyre is approaching the legal tread limit and an off‑side front tyre contains a nail. Over the last six annual tests the vehicle has shown a mixture of minor advisories and one failure in 2025 for a faulty windscreen wiper and front brake pads at the wear‑indicator. While the failure was remedied and the car has passed subsequently, the recurrence of tyre condition warnings and progressive brake‑disc wear indicates a maintenance trend that is holding steady rather than improving; the pattern suggests that wear items are being monitored but not yet fully addressed. At eight years old the car has only 45,223 miles on the clock, equating to roughly 5,600 miles per year – well below the typical UK average. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can accelerate age‑related degradation such as tyre perishing, rubber cracking and corrosion of brake components. The mileage itself does not imply excessive mechanical stress, but the combination of low use and the recorded tyre and brake advisories suggests that the vehicle may have been idle enough for rubber and metal to deteriorate despite the modest distance covered. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the tyre set. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracks, tread edge wear, and any signs of perishing, especially on the near‑side front where the tread depth is already close to the legal minimum. Verify that the nail in the off‑side front tyre has been removed and the tyre repaired or replaced; listen for a low‑frequency thump or feel for vibration at higher speeds which can indicate internal damage. The front brake pads were reported at the wear indicator in 2025 and the discs have been noted as pitted; a visual inspection of the pads for remaining thickness and of the discs for scoring or deep rust is essential, and the brakes should be tested for pedal feel – any sponginess, pulsation or squealing under braking warrants immediate servicing. The windscreen wiper was a major defect in 2025, so confirm that the wiper now clears the screen effectively and that the blade condition is adequate for wet weather. Beyond the recurring wear items, the buyer should treat the car as a low‑mileage, potentially long‑standing vehicle. Check the 12‑volt battery for voltage and cranking performance, as batteries can lose capacity when a car sits idle for extended periods. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and look for signs of discoloration or water ingress, as calendar‑based degradation is common after five years. Inspect the under‑carriage and suspension bushings for corrosion or cracked rubber, and verify that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑belt or chain service. Addressing these age‑related items now will help ensure the MINI Cooper remains reliable and road‑worthy.