2019 MINI Countryman 1.5L Petrol · S21 RAU

Recurring tyre degradation and a historical test failure highlight the mechanical attention this seven-year-old Mini Countryman requires, tempered by a recent pass on 21 April 2026 with no recorded defects. A review of the testing history reveals a trajectory that moved from a clean record in December 2022 to multiple tyre-related advisories in December 2023 for perishing, cuts, and edge wear on both front and rear axles. This escalated to a test failure in December 2025 due to a dangerous cut reaching the ply on the offside rear tyre alongside a minor windscreen defect, before the subsequent pass in April 2026 reset the vehicle's compliant roadworthiness status. With 43,790 miles recorded on the odometer by April 2026, the vehicle has accumulated mileage at an average rate of roughly 6,250 miles per year, representing typical annual usage for its age. This steady accumulation pattern indicates that the car has not suffered from prolonged periods of stationary storage, which helps mitigate concerns regarding seized brake components or degraded exhaust systems often associated with long lay-ups. Instead, the mileage points to regular urban or mixed-route driving routines that distribute mechanical wear evenly across the drivetrain, steering rack, and suspension joints. Given the frequent appearance of tyre faults throughout the MOT log, prospective buyers must conduct a rigorous physical inspection of all four tyres, checking not only the remaining tread depth across the full width of the contact patch but also inspecting the sidewalls for hidden cuts, perishing, or cracking. It is essential to verify the age and condition of the currently fitted rubber to ensure they match the clean bill of health issued at the most recent test, as the vehicle's past record demonstrates a tendency to consume or damage tyres prematurely. Additionally, the minor windscreen damage noted in late 2025 should be inspected visually to confirm whether stone chips or surface pitting have worsened into structural cracks that might necessitate a full windscreen replacement. During the pre-purchase test drive, pay close attention to the vehicle's handling dynamics and steering response by listening for any knocking, clunking, or creaking noises emanating from the front and rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, speed bumps, and pot-holes. Test the braking system thoroughly on a safe stretch of road to check for straight-line stopping, absence of pedal vibration, and smooth engagement without any pulling to one side, which would otherwise indicate binding calipers or uneven pad wear. Finally, check that the steering centers correctly out of tight turns and that no abnormal vibrations travel up the steering column at motorway speeds, ensuring the wheel alignment and balancing are properly set.