2004 MINI 1.6L Petrol · LT54 UEW

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of deferred repairs and recurring mechanical wear. The most recent test in July 2025 at 82,467 miles identified several new issues, including a worn clutch and a binding nearside rear service brake. While the car has passed, the persistence of an oil leak and power steering hose seepage across multiple years suggests that the owner has addressed only the bare minimum required to pass the MOT rather than performing preventative mechanical overhaul. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 82,467 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 3,750 miles per year. The data shows consistent but low-volume usage, with 6,721 miles covered between May 2024 and July 2025, and 3,801 miles the year prior. This low annual mileage often leads to the degradation of rubber components due to age, which is evidenced by the cracking sidewalls on the tyres and deteriorated brake hoses noted in the 2023 test. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear suspension and braking system. The record flags worn trailing arm bushes and suspension pins consistently since 2022, while the 2025 test specifically noted corrosion on both rear coil springs. The offside rear wheel bearing is also reported as noisy, and the binding nearside rear brake requires investigation for a seized caliper piston. Given the reported worn clutch and the ongoing oil leak, the vehicle is likely to require significant expenditure in the near future to ensure reliable operation.