2018 MINI Cooper S 2.0L Petrol · RF68 OFG

A clean MOT record across the seven tests presented is the defining mechanical feature of this 2018 MINI Cooper S, with only one failure recorded and a single advisory raised over the entire testing history. The most recent test on 26 June 2026 returned a pass with no defects, and the four preceding tests were also clean passes, indicating a stable and consistent roadworthiness trend rather than any emerging pattern of deterioration. The sole failure occurred on 5 June 2023 when the nearside stop lamp was found not working, a relatively minor electrical defect that was rectified the following day when the vehicle passed with no advisories. The only advisory on file relates to a nearside rear tyre cut recorded in June 2024, which was not deep enough to reach the ply or cords and did not warrant a failure. With no repeat advisories on braking components, suspension, corrosion, exhaust integrity, or steering, the recorded history does not point to any chronic mechanical weaknesses within the tested parameters. With 65,153 miles on the odometer over an eight-year life, this Cooper S averages approximately 8,144 miles per year, a figure that sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of this age and class. The annual mileage accumulation appears consistent and steady, with no extended gaps between tests that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and no rapid mileage escalations that might indicate an unusually high-use phase such as a long motorway commute. This level of consistent, moderate use generally allows for even wear across consumables like brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch components, without placing excessive demand on the drivetrain. There is nothing in the recorded mileage profile to raise mechanical concerns specific to underuse or overuse when assessed against the MOT history alone. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any brake, suspension, or corrosion advisories across all recorded tests is notable, but a physical inspection should still verify the condition of items that MOT testing does not fully assess. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the feel of the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, listening for knocking or rattling noises from the front strut towers or lower control arm bushes, areas known to wear on F-series MINI chassis of this generation. Test the brakes firmly from moderate speed to check for any pulling to one side, pedal vibration, or grinding sensations that might indicate warped discs or binding calipers, as MOT brake efficiency testing does not always reveal marginal component wear. Steering should feel precise and self-centring without any vagueness or knocking through the rack on full lock, and the clutch should engage smoothly without slipping under acceleration in higher gears. The single recorded tyre advisory in 2024 warrants a visual check of all four tyres for age-related sidewall cracking, tread depth, and even wear across the axle, particularly on the nearside rear. Although the stop lamp failure in 2023 was a straightforward bulb-related item, it is worth confirming that all exterior lighting, including the rear fog lamp, number plate illumination, and indicators, functions correctly, as electrical faults on MINIs can sometimes indicate broader wiring loom issues. Finally, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for any surface corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points and suspension arms, and check for any oil residue around the engine and transmission seams, as the MOT visual corrosion assessment is limited to structural safety-relevant areas. A compression test and a scan for any stored fault codes via the OBD port would be prudent given the vehicle's age and mileage, even though the recorded MOT history itself presents no cause for alarm.