2009 MINI 1.4L Petrol · SL59 CCF

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 11 December 2025 at 91,825 miles passed without defects, indicating a clean record for the past six months. However, the preceding history reveals a pattern of recurring issues that suggest inconsistent maintenance. The December 2024 test at 90,661 miles failed on the offside rear wheel bearing, rear brake pads, and tyres, while the January 2024 test at 89,801 miles failed twice—once for corrosion in front suspension arms and sub-frame, and again for the same corrosion alongside misaligned headlamps. These failures cluster around the same mileage range, implying deferred repairs rather than sudden mechanical failure. The most critical trend is the persistent wheel bearing and brake wear, which could escalate into binding calipers or wheel detachment if unaddressed. The recorded mileage of 91,825 miles over 17 years equates to approximately 5,400 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the January 2024 and December 2024 tests—just 11 months with only 860 miles logged—suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which exacerbates corrosion and suspension degradation. Such low mileage often correlates with standing vehicles, where moisture and road salt accelerate rust in underbody components. The lack of significant mileage accumulation between tests also raises questions about whether the vehicle was regularly driven enough to prevent fluid stagnation in brakes, suspension, or steering systems. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear wheel bearings, particularly the offside unit, given the 2024 failure. Binding or excessive play in wheel bearings can lead to catastrophic wheel separation, and the absence of a replacement in the intervening period is concerning. The front suspension arms and sub-frame corrosion from January 2024 remain a structural risk; any further weakening could compromise wheel alignment and handling. Tyre condition should also be scrutinised, as the 2024 failure indicated tread wear close to the legal limit, and the current mileage suggests they may now be beyond the 1.6mm threshold. Finally, the brake pads, which were under 1.5mm thick in 2024, should be measured again—thin pads increase the risk of metal-to-metal contact and uneven disc wear.