2004 MINI Cooper 1.6L Petrol · VO04 CHJ

This 2004 MINI Cooper passed its most recent MOT in July 2025 with 93,694 miles, but it carried two advisory notes for wearing front brake pads. The pattern of advisories over the last three years is the key concern here. The vehicle has a recurring mechanical theme of brake pipe corrosion and steering/suspension wear. In 2024, the MOT noted a slight power steering pipe seepage and play in the offside track rod end. By 2025, the brake pipes were greased again, but both front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin. This suggests a gradual deterioration of consumables and steering components rather than a sudden failure. The trend is worsening. While the 2023 MOT was clean, the 2024 and 2025 tests show an increasing number of advisory items, particularly around brakes and steering. The mileage is low for a 22-year-old car at roughly 4,259 miles per year, which can indicate light use or periods of standing. Low mileage can mean less wear on the engine and gearbox, but it also risks dried-out seals, seized calipers, or rusted brake pipes from infrequent use.