2018 MINI Cooper 1.5L Diesel · SA67 DYA

A pattern of progressive front‑tyre wear and rear‑brake pad thinning, punctuated by a cluster of major safety defects in early 2024, defines this 2018 MINI Cooper’s MOT history. The latest test on 13 August 2026 was passed, yet it still carried advisories for an oil leak and front‑tyre tread approaching the legal limit, echoing the same tyre concerns noted in 2024 and 2025 and the brake‑pad warning first flagged in March 2024. The vehicle’s record shows a serious failure in May 2025 for rear‑pad thickness below 1.5 mm and a series of major failures in March 2024 that included a damaged off‑side body component, missing rear seat‑belt buckles and an excessively worn anti‑roll‑bar ball joint, indicating that safety‑critical items have required attention in the recent past. At 53,049 mi the car averages roughly 6,600 mi per year, a mileage level that sits comfortably within normal usage for an eight‑year‑old MINI. The MOT chronology reveals a two‑year gap between the October 2021 pass and the January 2023 pass, but otherwise the testing frequency is regular, with multiple tests in 2024 and 2025 driven by failures rather than routine intervals. The relatively modest annual accumulation suggests that overall component wear should be moderate, yet the concentration of tyre and brake advisories indicates that the front axle and rear braking system have endured more stress than the mileage alone would predict. Prospective buyers should inspect the front tyres for uneven wear, edge‑wear patterns and any cuts that may have progressed since the last advisory; replacement is likely imminent. The rear brake pads were recorded as dangerously thin in May 2025 and flagged as thin in March 2024, so a fresh pad set and a thorough check of the caliper operation are advisable—listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel for pedal judder under moderate braking. The oil‑leak advisory from August 2026 warrants a visual check for fresh oil around the valve‑cover gasket or oil filter area and a test for any seepage onto the under‑tray, as persistent leaks can affect engine oil levels and downstream components. The anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball joint, noted as excessively worn in March 2024, should be examined for play or clunking when traversing bumps, and the vehicle’s handling should be assessed for any looseness in the front suspension. Verify that all rear seat‑belt buckles are present and functional, as their absence was recorded as a major defect, and confirm that the bonnet and off‑side body panels are free of damage that could compromise structural integrity. A qualified pre‑purchase inspection that focuses on these specific items—tyres, rear brakes, oil leak source, anti‑roll‑bar linkage, and seat‑belt fittings—will give a clear picture of any imminent remedial work required before committing to purchase.