2021 MINI Cooper S 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · RJ21 ABO

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 12 May 2026, achieving a pass but with four advisories recorded against the rear axle. While a pass remains a positive indicator of roadworthiness, the presence of advisories on a single test is noteworthy and suggests that certain components are approaching the threshold of acceptable wear or degradation. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, the vehicle passed cleanly in both May 2025 and May 2024 without any recorded defects or advisories, which points to a generally well-maintained example with no recurring or persistent issues flagged in earlier tests. The sudden appearance of four related advisories in the most recent test indicates that the rear tyres in particular are now entering a phase of accelerated wear and age-related deterioration, and a prospective buyer should treat this as an early warning of upcoming maintenance costs rather than a sign of neglect. With a recorded mileage of 36,042 miles over approximately five years, this MINI Cooper S has covered around 7,200 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with average UK private usage. The mileage progression across the recorded MOTs appears steady, with no obvious gaps in annual mileage accumulation that would suggest prolonged periods of standing unused. At this rate of use, the vehicle should not yet be suffering from severe wear on major mechanical components such as the clutch, turbocharger, or drivetrain, although brake discs, pads, and suspension components will inevitably have experienced normal in-service degradation commensurate with the mileage covered. The advisories recorded on the most recent MOT all relate to the rear tyres and warrant close attention before purchase. Both rear tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge, which typically indicates either an alignment issue at the rear axle, uneven camber geometry, or simply that the rear tyres have reached the end of their useful life and require replacement as a matched pair. Additionally, both rear tyres were noted as slightly damaged or showing cracking and perishing, which is an age-related phenomenon caused by the rubber compound hardening through exposure to UV light and the elements over time, independent of tread depth. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any increase in road or tyre noise, particularly from the rear, and inspect the sidewalls carefully for visible cracking, checking for any uneven tread wear patterns that might suggest a tracking or suspension geometry concern. Replacement of both rear tyres should be anticipated as an immediate cost, and it would be prudent to request a geometry check to rule out any underlying cause for the uneven wear. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age and mileage-appropriate checks remain advisable. Although the brake system has not been flagged in any MOT, the discs and pads should be visually inspected for wear, particularly given that rear discs on MINI models can be prone to corrosion if the vehicle has spent extended periods standing, even with moderate annual mileage. The 12V battery should be tested for health, as batteries in vehicles of this age can begin to fail without warning, especially in cars fitted with stop-start systems which place additional strain on the electrical system. Fluid services including brake fluid, coolant, and the manual or automatic transmission oil should be verified against the manufacturer service schedule, as these degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage. Finally, the buyer should confirm that the vehicle has a full and stamped service history, that the timing chain or belt interval has been observed, and that any common MINI Cooper S issues such as coolant pump failure or carbon buildup on the direct-injection petrol engine have been addressed during routine servicing.