2004 MINI 1.6L Petrol · RN04 EVM

A recurring pattern of corrosion and brake-related wear sits at the centre of this 2004 MINI's MOT record, with advisories clustering around the underbody, brake pipes, discs, and suspension linkages across nearly every annual test. The most recent examination on 12 January 2026 returned a pass, but it carried five advisories: an offside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge, an oil leak not deemed excessive, both rear suspension arm pins or bushes showing wear without excessive movement, and a general note of underside corrosion. The trend is not improving, as brake pipe corrosion has been flagged as far back as June 2019 and reappeared in 2020 and 2022, while suspension component wear has surfaced in 2023 and again in 2026. Notably, a January 2025 test recorded a failure with dangerous defects for both rear brake pads being below 1.5 mm thick, alongside the same advisory brake wear noted on the fronts, indicating the braking system had been allowed to deteriorate to an unsafe level before remedial work allowed a pass just ten days later. Recorded mileage of 83,797 miles over 22 years equates to roughly 3,800 miles per year, which is low for the vehicle's age and suggests extended periods of either light use or standing. There is a notable gap in testing between January 2022 and January 2023, and the annual mileage accumulation between recorded tests appears modest rather than consistent, pointing to irregular usage rather than steady commuter work. Lower annual mileage reduces wear on the engine and drivetrain but typically accelerates corrosion on unprotected underbody components, brake pipes, and dormant brake calipers, all of which align with the advisory pattern seen here. The chronic underside corrosion advisories combined with brake pipe surface corrosion notes in 2019, 2020, and 2022 are consistent with a car that has experienced significant standing time in damp conditions. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension arms and their bushes, which have been flagged at the 2023 and 2026 tests. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and during direction changes, and feel for any vagueness or delay in the rear end's response. Examine the rear brake calipers for binding, as prolonged standing can cause slider pins and piston seals to seize, leading to uneven pad wear such as that which produced the dangerous pad thickness readings in early 2025. Check the rear brake discs for lipping and scoring by running a finger around the outer edge, and verify that the handbrake pulls up cleanly without needing excessive travel. Inspect the brake pipes along their full length, especially the rear sections and offside front run noted in 2019 and 2022, looking for blistering under the protective coating, active rust weeping, or any sign of previous pipe replacement. The underside corrosion advisory from 2026 warrants a physical inspection on a ramp, with attention to the subframe mounting points, rear axle casing, and any structural seams visible from below. Surface corrosion on a 22-year-old car is expected, but flaking, pitted, or lifting corrosion that exposes bare metal should be treated with caution. The persistent oil leak advisory, noted in both 2025 and 2026, warrants identifying the source, as MINIs of this era commonly seep from the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, or timing chain tensioner area, and an active leak left unattended can mask wear on surrounding components. Finally, check the offside front inner tyre wear pattern flagged in the latest test, as uneven inner edge wear on a front wheel often points to worn suspension bushes, distorted wheels, or alignment irregularities, all of which would tie back into the recurring chassis wear advisories.