2003 MINI 1.6L Petrol · SO03 OXR

The most recent MOT on 2026-02-06 showed the vehicle passed, but it carried over multiple issues from the prior failed test in January 2026. These included steering column bearing wear, tyre wear near legal limits, brake binding, and widespread corrosion in suspension components. Notably, the same suspension arm bush wear and track rod end play that caused the January 2026 failure were still present, suggesting unresolved mechanical degradation. Recurring corrosion in suspension arms, sub-frames, and struts has been documented since 2024, with no indication of repair. Brake binding on both rear wheels persisted across multiple tests, and tyre wear patterns (edge wear, near-limit conditions) suggest ongoing alignment or suspension issues. The power steering pump’s slight seepage has also reappeared in multiple MOTs, pointing to a potential persistent leak. The trend shows no improvement in critical areas. Corrosion and brake binding have remained consistent, while suspension component wear has progressed from "slightly worn" to "excessive play" in some cases. The vehicle’s low mileage (2,840 miles annually) implies infrequent use, which may have exacerbated corrosion and allowed minor issues to persist without regular maintenance. However, this low mileage does not necessarily indicate heavy wear on high-mileage components like brakes or tyres.