2021 MINI Countryman 1.5L Petrol · YM70 CNA

The 2021 MINI Countryman presents a strong and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 22 January 2026 at 39,888 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a significant improvement over the 9 February 2025 test at 29,406 miles, which also passed cleanly, and the 9 February 2024 test at 20,689 miles, where the tester flagged both front tyres worn close to the legal limit and wearing on the edge. The resolution of the tyre wear advisory by the following year suggests the previous owner addressed the issue promptly, indicating a pattern of corrective maintenance rather than neglect. No recurring structural, mechanical, or braking defects appear in the record, which is reassuring for a vehicle of this age. The mileage accumulation is steady and typical for a five-year-old car, averaging roughly 7,978 miles per year. The intervals between tests show consistent use: approximately 8,717 miles were covered between February 2024 and February 2025, and around 10,482 miles between February 2025 and January 2026. This slight uptick in annual mileage during the most recent period does not raise concerns. It simply reflects normal usage rather than excessive strain or prolonged standing. The MOT record itself is clean and well-documented, with no gaps that would suggest the vehicle was off the road for extended periods. Despite the clean recent history, the edge wear noted on the front tyres in February 2024 warrants attention during any in-person inspection. Edge wear on front tyres typically points to suspension geometry issues, particularly worn tracking or misaligned toe settings, which can accelerate tyre degradation even after replacement. A buyer should verify the current tyre condition and, if possible, check whether a four-wheel alignment was carried out following the advisory. The Countryman's suspension bushes, coil springs, and anti-roll bar links should also be inspected for wear, as these components deteriorate with age and mileage regardless of MOT outcomes. Brake components deserve a close look as well. With nearly 40,000 miles on the clock, the front brake discs and pads are likely approaching the latter stages of their service life, even though no braking defects were flagged in the most recent test. The rear calipers and handbrake mechanism should be checked for binding, a common issue on MINI platforms. Underneath the vehicle, inspect the exhaust system and subframes for early signs of corrosion, particularly around mounting points and welded joints. The structural integrity of the sills and jacking points should be confirmed, as road salt exposure over five winters can initiate corrosion that MOT testers may not flag until it becomes advanced.