2017 MINI Cooper 1.5L Petrol · LT17 AAJ

A critical failure of the braking system in September 2023 defines the mechanical history of this vehicle, where dangerous wear was recorded on both the front and rear inner brake pads. This was accompanied by major defects regarding windscreen wiper effectiveness and an advisory concerning the brake fluid and dashboard warning light. Following these repairs, the vehicle has shown a trend of improving roadworthiness, culminating in a clean pass on 19 September 2025 with no defects recorded. The recorded mileage of 48,774 miles over nine years indicates a low usage rate of approximately 5,419 miles per year. This pattern of light use means that mechanical wear is less likely to be caused by high-mileage drivetrain stress and more likely to be associated with the natural aging of components. Such usage profiles often result in the degradation of rubber seals and tyres due to time rather than friction. Attention should be paid to the tyres, as the September 2024 test specifically noted cracking and perishing on both the nearside and offside rear tyres. If these have not been replaced, they should be inspected for structural integrity and sidewall degradation. Given the previous dangerous failure for brake pad thickness and the associated brake fluid warning, the current state of the braking system is a primary point of interest. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for any unusual noises during braking and feel for pedal judder or an inconsistent bite, which could point to issues with the calipers or discs. The windscreen wipers should also be operated to ensure they clear the glass without streaking, following the major failure recorded in 2023. Any hesitation in braking response or abnormal steering pull under deceleration should be noted as potential indicators of uneven component wear.