2004 MINI 1.6L Petrol · ML04 AGV

The vehicle shows a consistent history of progressive structural and suspension-related corrosion despite low mileage for its age. The most recent test on 27 February 2025 at 78,791 miles passed the car, but revealed widespread corrosion across all four coil springs and the rear suspension mounting areas. While the sub-frame and rear vehicle structure are noted as not yet significantly weakened, the recurrence of these corrosion advisories from 2022 through 2025 indicates an ongoing aging process. The front lower suspension arm bushes have been flagged as worn for several years, suggesting they have not been replaced between tests. With 78,791 miles recorded over 22 years, the car averages approximately 3,600 miles per year. This low usage often results in vehicles sitting for stationary, which can explain the accelerated degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of surface rust on metal surfaces. There is a significant gap in recorded mileage between July 2022 and February 2024, during which the vehicle covered only 1,000 miles. The failure in February 2024 was specifically due to parking brake efficiency, which was corrected immediately to achieve the subsequent pass. A buyer should focus heavily on the structural integrity of the rear sub-frame and suspension mounting points, as the tester has repeatedly identified corrosion in these areas. The presence of corrosion on all four coil springs is a point of future mechanical failure as the metal weakens. Additionally, the persistent worn front suspension bushes and the previous failure of the parking brake suggest that a mechanical inspection of the chassis and braking system is necessary to ensure the wear has not progressed significantly beyond the standard MOT requirements.