2005 MINI 1.6L Petrol · SP55 USN
2005 MINI (1.6L, petrol). First registered 24 Sept 2005. Recorded mileage 121,223 miles. MOT valid until 26 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- MINI MINI
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Dundee
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (28 Nov 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 121,223 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SP55 USN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/12/2025
- 121,223 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SP55 USN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Mini Mini (SP55 USN) between December 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 December 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (8 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Windscreen (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Macpherson strut mounting damaged and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt ”.
SP55 USN Mileage History
- 23/12/2022114,306 mi
- 13/12/2023116,830 mi+2,524 mi
- 16/12/2023116,830 mi
- 30/11/2024119,339 mi+2,509 mi
- 27/12/2025121,223 mi+1,884 mi
Average of roughly 2,297 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise caution. While the vehicle has
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the power steering system; seepage has been recorded in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 MOTs, indicating a long-term leak. You should also verify if the power steering fluid has been topped up recently, as a low fluid level caused a failure in 2023.
Given the repeated advisories regarding rear sub-frame corrosion, a professional underside inspection is essential to determine if the rust is superficial or progressing. Negotiate the price based on the imminent need to address the 2025 advisories, specifically the worn rear coil spring and the play in the nearside front track rod end.
The 1.6L petrol engine offers moderate fuel economy, though it will be less efficient than modern equivalents. Insurance costs are generally manageable for this model, but maintenance costs can be higher due to the frequency of suspension and steering component wear seen in this vehicle's history.
Typical annual costs will include the annual road tax, insurance, and a budget for preventative maintenance to address the recurring corrosion and leak issues. The estimated annual running cost is approximately £1,100-£1,400.
Inspect the power steering pipes and hoses for active leaks, as 'slight seepage' has been flagged in three consecutive years. Check the rear sub-frame for corrosion, as this was noted as 'not seriously weakened' in 2023 and 2024, but remains a point of concern.
Specifically check the nearside front track rod end and the nearside rear coil spring, both of which were flagged as worn or having play in the December 2025 test. Additionally, examine the brake hose ferrules for corrosion, a fault that appeared in the 2022 and 2023 records.
This blue 2005 MINI has covered 121,223 miles, which is above the model's average annual mileage. The MOT history reveals a pattern of suspension wear and a persistent power steering leak noted across multiple years. A notable failure in 2023 required repairs to the Macpherson strut and CV boot, and corrosion on the rear sub-frame has remained a recurring advisory.
This model has an average MOT pass rate of 75.6%, with common failure points typically being headlamps, tyres, and brake pipes.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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