2004 MINI 1.6L Petrol · YB53 AJB
2004 MINI (1.6L, petrol). First registered 28 Jun 2004. Recorded mileage 61,774 miles. MOT expired on 30 Jul 2025. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MINI MINI
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Jul 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 61,774 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
YB53 AJB Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/08/2024
- 61,774 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YB53 AJB 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 2004 Mini Mini (YB53 AJB) between July 2022 and August 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 01 August 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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: “Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”; “Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.
YB53 AJB Mileage History
- 27/07/202259,609 mi
- 27/07/202259,609 mi
- 24/07/202360,179 mi+570 mi
- 31/07/202461,768 mi+1,589 mi
- 01/08/202461,774 mi+6 mi
Average of roughly 1,074 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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
Proceed with caution due to persistent oil leaks and suspension corrosion. While the low mileage is attractive for a 2004 vehicle, the recurring mechanical advisories suggest this MINI requires a dedicated maintenance budget.
When inspecting this vehicle, your primary focus should be the underside. The MOT history explicitly mentions 'heavy surface corrosion' on both front and rear suspension components, which could lead to expensive replacement costs if the rust has compromised the structural integrity or the bushes. You should also verify if the oil leak has been investigated by a specialist, as it has been a recurring advisory for three consecutive years.
Check the service history thoroughly to see if the track rod ends or suspension components have ever been replaced, as the 2024 MOT failure highlighted play in the offside track rod end. Given the age of the car, ensure all electrical systems are functioning, as the history shows a history of minor lighting failures and spongy brake issues which may indicate the need for a brake fluid flush or master cylinder inspection.
As a 1598cc petrol model, this MINI will be relatively affordable to tax and fuel, though it lacks the efficiency of modern engines. Insurance should be manageable, but bear in mind that older, higher-mileage vehicles can sometimes attract higher premiums due to the difficulty of sourcing parts and the increased likelihood of breakdown.
Maintenance costs will be the most significant variable. You should set aside a contingency fund specifically for suspension and oil leak repairs, as these are recurring issues. Expect an estimated annual running cost, including insurance, tax, fuel, and routine maintenance, to be in the region of £1,200-£1,500, depending on your annual mileage.
Focus your inspection on the suspension arms and subframes; look for flaking rust or signs of recent underseal application that might be masking deeper corrosion. Ensure the car is parked on a clean surface to check for fresh oil drips, as the MOT history confirms an ongoing leak that has persisted since 2022.
Test the brake pedal feel thoroughly during a test drive; the 2022 failure noted a 'spongy' pedal, so ensure it feels firm and responsive. Finally, check all exterior lights, including the registration plate lamps, as these have been a failure point in the past, and inspect the tyres for uneven wear, which could indicate alignment issues resulting from the previously noted track rod end play.
This 2004 MINI has covered just over 61,000 miles, which is remarkably low for its age. However, the MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of oil leaks and suspension corrosion that has been noted consistently since 2022. While it passed its most recent test, the combination of age-related wear and ongoing maintenance issues makes this a project car rather than a turn-key daily driver.
The first-generation MINI is known for being a fun driving experience, but it is prone to age-related issues such as oil leaks, suspension wear, and electrical gremlins as it enters its third decade.
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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