2018 MINI Countryman 1.5L Petrol · OY18 FNU

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 21 August 2026, though four advisories were recorded. These relate to slight fraying of the offside front seat belt webbing, a child seat obscuring inspection of the nearside rear adult belt, and both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit with measured tread depths of 2mm on the nearside and 2.5mm on the offside, both showing edge wear. Looking at the wider pattern across the last seven tests, the maintenance trend is broadly stable rather than worsening, with two completely clean tests in 2020 and 2025 and no failures or dangerous defects recorded throughout the period. However, a recurring theme is front tyre wear reaching the legal threshold almost every year since 2021, which suggests an underlying geometry or suspension issue rather than simple consumption. Annual mileage works out at approximately 11,256 miles per year over the eight-year life of the vehicle, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age and avoids the pitfalls of either very high accumulation or extended standing. MOT tests have been carried out annually from 2020 onwards at broadly year-on-year intervals, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use. The mileage progression recorded between tests is consistent and progressive, with no evidence of significant gaps, clocking anomalies, or rapid accumulation that would raise concerns about motorway fleet use or short journey wear patterns. The most pressing area for a prospective buyer to investigate is the persistent front tyre edge wear. When test driving the vehicle, pay close attention to any pulling to one side under acceleration or braking, vague or wandering steering, or a continuous knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, as these are classic symptoms of worn suspension bushes, top mounts, or weak coil springs which would force the tyre to run on its outer or inner edge. Given that nearside and offside front tyres have repeatedly reached the 2mm to 2.5mm range, an inspection ramp check of the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar links, and tracking alignment would be prudent, and a four-wheel alignment and full set of premium tyres should be budgeted for. The offside front seat belt should also be carefully examined for the extent of the fraying, and replacement is strongly advised as seat belts are a primary safety system. Beyond the recorded advisories, given the vehicle's age and 90,000-mile mileage, several time and usage-based items warrant checking during a physical inspection. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for any corrosion or seizing from standing, particularly at the rear where handbrake mechanisms can bind, and the condition of the rear brake pads verified as these are often neglected. Brake fluid should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature, and the engine coolant, manual transmission or automatic gearbox fluid, and four-wheel-drive transfer and rear differential oils (where fitted on the Countryman) should be checked against the manufacturer's service schedule. The 12V battery is now eight years old and almost certainly due for replacement, and the auxiliary drive belt, timing chain stretch symptoms on cold start, and condition of the coolant expansion tank should be assessed. Finally, given Countryman-specific concerns, verify that the tailgate strut holds the door firmly and inspect the rear wiper mechanism and front radiator area for stone damage, while also ensuring that the service book is fully stamped to confirm timely oil and filter changes have been carried out throughout the vehicle's life.