2004 MINI 1.4L Diesel · MJ04 FWR

The most recent MOT, carried out on 2 March 2026, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering an oil leak, rear‑tyre tread close to the legal limit, light oil mist on the off‑side front shock absorber, rear brake‑disc wear and wear on the rear suspension arm bush. Over the last four recorded tests the pattern is one of steady, low‑level wear rather than a sudden deterioration, although the failure recorded on 9 January 2024 for the supplementary restraint system and rear sub‑frame corrosion indicates that some items have already required attention. In summary the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with a few recurring weak points that merit close scrutiny before purchase. At 206,412 mi the Mini has averaged roughly 9,400 mi per year since its first registration in 2004, a usage rate that sits comfortably within normal UK expectations for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of extreme mileage accumulation or long gaps that would suggest either intensive short‑term abuse or prolonged storage, so the wear observed on the MOT is more likely to be a function of age and normal wear rather than an unusually harsh duty cycle. Nonetheless, the cumulative mileage is high enough that many wear items – suspension bushings, shock absorber seals, brake discs and tyres – will be approaching the end of their service lives. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the oil leak noted in both 2024 and 2026. Verify the source – commonly a valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil pan – and check for any oil spotting on the garage floor or under the vehicle, as an unchecked leak can lead to low oil level, increased engine wear and possible fire risk. The rear‑tyre on the off‑side is already close to the legal tread depth and shows signs of edge wear, so a tyre replacement is advisable before the next test; listen for a hollow thump or feel a vibration when cornering, which would indicate uneven wear or a developing sidewall defect. The light oil mist on the front shock absorber suggests seal degradation; a thorough visual inspection for fluid on the shock body and a test‑drive for any clunking or excessive bounce when traversing bumps will reveal whether the damper is still functional. Brake discs on both axles have been flagged as worn and pitted on several occasions; while they have not yet reached the minimum thickness, the progressive scoring will soon necessitate either resurfacing or replacement, especially if you notice brake pedal pulsation, shudder or an increase in stopping distances. The suspension arm bushes on both front and rear have been recorded as worn, which can manifest as a knocking noise over uneven surfaces and a slight looseness in steering feel; replacement is relatively inexpensive and will restore handling precision. The SRS warning lamp fault from the 2024 failure should be diagnosed with a proper scan tool, as an airbag fault can render the restraint system ineffective in a crash. Finally, inspect the rear sub‑frame for any flaking or deep rust, particularly around the mounting points, and ensure the headlamp aim is corrected if it remains low, as poor illumination can affect night‑time safety. A full service history, a battery load test and a check of all fluid levels (coolant, brake, gearbox) will round out a prudent pre‑purchase inspection for a car of this age and mileage.