2018 MINI Cooper 1.5L Petrol · WE03 ANA

The 2018 MINI Cooper has passed its most recent MOT on 2026-02-10 at 72,244 miles, but the record reveals a trend of recurring brake-related advisories rather than a stable maintenance pattern. The near-side rear brake binding noted in February 2026, while not severe, suggests a persistent issue with either caliper alignment, seized components, or hydraulic imbalance. This follows earlier advisories for front brake disc wear and rear pad wear in 2025 and 2023 respectively, indicating that brake maintenance has been inconsistent rather than proactive. The 2024 and 2022 tests showed no defects, which implies that some owners may have addressed issues between tests, but the recurrence of brake faults suggests either deferred servicing or a lack of systematic attention to wear items. The mileage progression of approximately 9,000 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gap between the 2022 (40,613 miles) and 2023 (52,054 miles) tests—just over a year with 11,441 miles accumulated—indicates a period of heavier use. The subsequent intervals of around 5,000 miles per year (2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025) suggest either reduced driving or deliberate spacing between services. The most recent MOT, just five months old, means the vehicle has not yet reached its next test date, but the history of brake advisories warrants closer scrutiny. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the brake system, focusing on the rear near-side caliper and hydraulic lines for leaks or corrosion, as well as the condition of all brake discs and pads for uneven wear or scoring. The suspension should be checked for worn or leaking bushes, particularly at the rear where binding brakes may indicate related alignment issues. Given the past advisories, corrosion around wheel arches, subframes, and exhaust components should also be examined, as prolonged exposure to road salt or moisture could compromise structural integrity. While the vehicle has passed its MOT, the pattern of brake-related advisories suggests that the previous owner may not have addressed wear items systematically, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential to confirm the current state of these critical components.