2004 MINI 1.6L Petrol · RV54 SVL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a recent shift toward reactive rather than preventative care. The most recent test in October 2025 at 158,687 miles resulted in an initial failure due to a non-functional nearside stop lamp and critically worn front tyres. While the vehicle passed upon immediate retest, the presence of a non-excessive oil leak indicates that engine seals are beginning to degrade, which is common for a vehicle of this age. At 158,687 miles over 22 years, the car has averaged approximately 7,213 miles per year, which aligns with typical low-mileage usage patterns. The data shows consistent annual use, with roughly 9,600 miles covered between September 2023 and September 2024, and another 9,753 miles between September 2024 and October 2025. This regularity suggests the vehicle has not sat for long periods, though the high cumulative mileage places significant stress on the drivetrain and aging rubber-based suspension components. A buyer should prioritize inspecting the parking brake system, which caused a failure in 2023 at 139,278 miles due to low efficiency and an inoperative side. This often points to seized rear drums or stretched cables that require adjustment or replacement. The uneven edge wear on both front tyres noted in the 2025 test suggests potential alignment issues or worn suspension bushes, which should be verified to prevent rapid tyre degradation. The noted oil leak at the latest inspection requires a close look at the engine bay to determine if it originates from a simple cover gasket or a more costly crank seal. Given the vehicle's age, a thorough check for structural corrosion on the subframes and rear floor pans is essential, as the MOT history does not explicitly detail rust concerns but they remain a primary risk for this generation of MINI.