2009 MINI (R57) 1.6L Petrol · WM09 GPK

The most recent MOT test recorded on 2 December 2025 shows a pass with no defects, although a separate failure entry on the same date recorded a nearside rear stop lamp not working. This single minor lighting issue was evidently rectified to secure the pass, and apart from this item the vehicle emerged from the test with no advisories. Looking at the broader pattern, the 2024 test failed on exhaust emissions and several lighting defects, while the 2021 and 2020 tests produced repeated advisories relating to rear shock absorbers, suspension bushes and tyre wear. The trend therefore suggests a vehicle whose underlying mechanical condition has stabilised following earlier concerns, with the most recent pass indicating that previous advisories have either been addressed or have not deteriorated to failure point. Prospective buyers should nevertheless regard the 2024 emissions failure as a relevant data point, as it raises questions about engine management, lambda sensor health, catalyst efficiency and exhaust integrity that warrant direct confirmation. With 122,403 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years, the vehicle averages around 7,200 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for its age and class. There is a noticeable gap in the MOT record between the 2019 test and the 2020 entries, and then a further gap until the 2024 test, which may indicate periods of low use or off-road storage. While the headline mileage is not high for the age, any extended standing periods carry their own consequences for a convertible of this vintage, including brake disc corrosion, caliper seizure, dry rot in rubber components and 12 volt battery degradation. Equally, the cumulative wear from regular annual use over a long ownership period means that consumables such as timing chain components, clutch, gearbox mounts and auxiliary drive items will have been subjected to considerable accumulated stress. In terms of recurring defect history, the advisories recorded against the rear shock absorbers in both 2020 and 2021 are particularly noteworthy, as the same offside rear unit was flagged on consecutive tests for light oil misting or limited damping effect. This points to a degrading unit that may now be due for replacement, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces and observe whether the vehicle settles unevenly or exhibits excessive pitch under braking. The 2020 failure on nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes being excessively worn indicates the front lower arm bushes have already required attention, and a thorough inspection should confirm the quality of any replacement components, checking for renewed knocking, vague steering feel or uneven front tyre wear. The brake disc advisory from the same test, recording pitting and scoring, is also worth verifying, as worn discs can produce pedal shudder under load and may necessitate replacement if minimum thickness is approached. Given the emissions failure in 2024 for both hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide exceeding limits, it would be prudent to verify that any remedial work undertaken has been effective by ensuring the engine runs smoothly from cold, idles evenly without misfires, and shows no illuminated engine management warning lamp. The tyre wear advisories spread across 2020 and 2021, covering all four corners at various times, suggest that alignment geometry or suspension geometry may have contributed to uneven tyre consumption, and a current inspection of the fitted tyres for inner or outer edge wear is recommended along with a check of the sidewalls for age related perishing given the vehicle's age. Beyond the documented history, a convertible R57 of this vintage warrants specific attention to the fabric hood mechanism, checking for correct operation and water tightness, as well as a visual examination of the rear floorpan and inner sills for corrosion. Confirmation of full service history, particularly evidence of regular brake fluid, coolant and transmission oil changes at calendar appropriate intervals, will further substantiate the mechanical integrity of what is otherwise a reasonably maintained example.