2018 MINI Countryman 1.5L Hybrid electric · PL18 NPF

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 8 July 2026, but this followed a failure just one day prior. The failure was significant, involving dangerous rear brake pads and worn front discs, which resulted in the overall service brake efficiency falling below the legal requirement. While the vehicle maintained a clean record between 2021 and 2023, the trend over the last two years suggests a decline in proactive maintenance, with critical safety components being left to fail during the inspection rather than being replaced as part of a routine service regime. With 101,607 miles recorded over eight years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 12,701 miles per year. This is considered high usage for this model and age. Such mileage typically accelerates the wear of high-stress consumables and chassis components. Prospective buyers should anticipate that the vehicle is entering a phase where major wear-and-tear items, such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain mounts, may require inspection or replacement due to the cumulative mechanical stress associated with high annual mileage. The recent failure regarding brake disc thickness and pad wear is a primary point of concern. Although these items were rectified to achieve the pass, the neglect of such critical components suggests a reactive approach to vehicle upkeep. During a test drive, the buyer should be alert for any brake shudder through the pedal or steering wheel, which could indicate warped discs, and listen for any grinding or squealing sounds. It is essential to verify that the replacements used were of a high-quality standard and to check the brake fluid condition, as high-mileage vehicles often suffer from fluid degradation and moisture contamination. The MOT history reveals a recurring issue with tyre condition, specifically dangerous wear and structural damage to the rear tyres in 2024 and 2025. This pattern may indicate poor wheel alignment or an underlying issue with the rear suspension geometry. The buyer should physically inspect all four tyres for uneven wear patterns, such as inner or outer edge scrubbing, and check for any sidewall bulges. Given the mileage, a thorough inspection of the underside for corrosion and the condition of the suspension bushings is strongly advised to ensure the structural integrity and handling characteristics remain within safe operational limits.