2004 MINI 1.6L Petrol · OV04 CMK

The 2004 MINI presents a roadworthiness profile that has, in the most recent test cycle, shifted from broadly advisory maintenance to outright failure territory. On 9 April 2026 the vehicle passed but with a deteriorated rear number plate advisory, and this follows hard on the heels of a 31 March 2026 failure on multiple grounds, including a dangerous nearside front tyre below the 1.6mm tread limit, an ABS warning lamp fault, excessive engine oil leakage, and a headlamp aim defect. Looking at the broader trend from 2021 through 2025, the record was largely stable, with each annual test passing against a small cluster of advisories, predominantly relating to minor oil seepage and minor wear items. However, the 2024 test did see a failure for insufficient service brake efficiency and both front headlamp image defects, and the recurring oil leak advisories across nearly every test since 2022 suggest an engine sealing issue that has now progressed to the point of failing the test outright. The pattern overall is one of a vehicle whose maintenance envelope has been gradually tightening and which has now crossed into genuine defect territory requiring rectification before it can be considered roadworthy. With a recorded mileage of 161,119 miles over approximately 22 years, this MINI is averaging in the region of 7,300 miles annually, which is broadly typical for an older petrol car that has been used as a secondary or short-journey vehicle. The mileage progression implied by the MOT record shows steady accumulation rather than long periods of standing or rapid clustering of miles in any single year, which is mechanically preferable as it implies regular operation of the drivetrain, brakes, and exhaust system. That said, the absolute mileage is high for a 2004 MINI, and even allowing for the robust nature of these vehicles, the engine, transmission, clutch, and ancillaries will have accrued considerable wear. The recurring oil leak advisories and the recent escalation to an excessive leak failure are entirely consistent with a high-mileage unit reaching the point where gaskets, seals, and potentially the oil cooler or crankcase components require refurbishment rather than minor attention. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is verifying that the items from the 31 March 2026 failure have been properly rectified rather than simply cleared through a retest without substantive repair. The dangerous tyre defect should have prompted replacement of the nearside front tyre at minimum, and ideally a matching pair on the front axle given the advisory for the offside front tyre being close to the legal limit and worn on its edge; edge wear on a front tyre on a MINI often points to worn suspension bushes, incorrect camber, or a tired steering rack inner joint, the latter of which was specifically advisories in May 2024 and warrants close inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, vagueness or a notchy feel through the steering, and any pulling to one side under braking. The ABS warning lamp fault indicates an issue within the anti-lock braking system, which on this generation of MINI commonly traces to a failing ABS wheel speed sensor, a reluctor ring, or the ABS pump or module, and any pulsing, unexpected intervention from the system, or a warning lamp that reappears should be investigated before purchase. The brake efficiency failure on the 2024 test, although subsequently passed, should prompt verification that the front discs and pads, calipers, and flexible brake hoses are in good serviceable condition, with no binding calipers evident when the wheels are warm after a drive. Beyond the recorded defects, the persistent oil leak across multiple tests is the single most significant recurring theme and demands a physical under-bonnet inspection. Look for fresh oil residue on the engine block, timing cover, sump, and oil filter housing, and check for any signs of oil reaching the exhaust manifold, which would produce visible smoke and a characteristic smell. Given the mileage, the buyer should also budget for age-related items irrespective of MOT record, including the condition of the cambelt and its tensioners, which on this era of MINI is a critical service item; the state of the cooling system hoses and radiator; the condition of the exhaust centre section, which was noted as a minor gas leak in 2023 and may now require replacement; and the overall condition of the rear number plate which was flagged as deteriorated. Even though annual mileage is moderate, the vehicle is 22 years old, so the 12V battery is likely nearing the end of its service life, brake fluid will benefit from replacement on calendar age grounds regardless of the last fluid change, and coolant should be checked for correct specification and condition. Tyre sidewalls should be carefully inspected for perishing and cracking from age even if tread depth appears adequate, and the underside should be examined for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake line brackets, as an older MINI kept in regular use through British winters is susceptible to structural rust that may not yet be flagged through MOT but warrants thorough inspection before purchase.