1997 Rover MINI 1.3L Petrol · R293 BRW
1997 Rover MINI (1.3L, petrol). First registered 03 Dec 1997. Recorded mileage 32,604 miles. MOT expired on 29 Mar 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- ROVER MINI
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Mar 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 32,604 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R293 BRW Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/03/2023
- 32,604 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R293 BRW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Rover Mini (R293 BRW) between October 2021 and March 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 28 March 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt split (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Hazard warning switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))”; “Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”.
R293 BRW Mileage History
- 28/10/202132,186 mi
- 30/03/202232,200 mi+14 mi
- 28/03/202332,604 mi+404 mi
- 28/03/202332,604 mi
Average of roughly 296 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the low mileage is attractive, the MOT history reveals significant recurring issues with corrosion, emissions, and structural integrity that require professional inspection.
Prioritize a thorough underside inspection. The MOT history shows a pattern of corrosion, specifically regarding the rear subframe and seat belt anchorages (notably the offside outer and nearside rear in 2018). Ensure any repairs to these areas are structural and not merely cosmetic patches.
Secondly, investigate the engine's health. The vehicle has a history of failing emissions tests (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and lambda readings) and an advisory regarding a 'red hot' catalytic converter in 2016. Ask for evidence of recent tuning or replacement of sensors/exhaust components. Finally, check the service history to see if the oil leaks noted in 2017 and 2019 have been addressed, as these are common on these engines but can lead to larger issues if ignored.
Running a classic Mini is generally affordable in terms of parts, but costs can spike if structural rust is present. As a 1275cc petrol model, fuel economy will be modest by modern standards, likely around 35-40 mpg.
Insurance groups for classic Minis vary widely depending on the driver's profile, but they are typically accessible for enthusiasts. Tax is usually low for a vehicle of this age. Expect annual maintenance to include regular oil changes and periodic suspension/brake work, with an estimated annual running cost of £700-£1,100 depending on usage and repair needs.
You must inspect the chassis and mounting points. The 2018 MOT failure highlighted excessive corrosion on the offside front subframe mounting and seat belt anchorages; verify these have been professionally repaired. Check the rear subframe, which has been flagged for corrosion since at least 2018.
Inspect the mechanical components, specifically the steering rack and suspension. The history shows recurring issues with steering rack gaiters (2023 and 2018) and suspension ball joints/radius arms. Additionally, test the braking system thoroughly, as the car previously failed on inadequate brake efficiency and service brake effort in 2019.
This 1997 Rover Mini 1275cc is a low-mileage example, having covered only approximately 32,604 miles in its 29-year life. However, its MOT history is marked by frequent failures involving exhaust emissions, brake efficiency, and most concerningly, structural corrosion in the subframes and seat belt anchorages. It represents a classic car that has likely been driven sparingly but may have suffered from age-related deterioration.
Classic Minis are known for mechanical simplicity, but they are highly susceptible to rust and require diligent maintenance of suspension and braking components.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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