In general terms, the Mini is remarkably reliable and potential faults are easy to spot. The vast majority of cars (some 98 per cent) were sold with the ‘TLC’ package, which covers all servicing charges for the first five years or 50,000 miles, and can be transferred to the next owner. Not only was this a great deal for new owners, it’s also good news for the secondhand market as it means that servicing has rarely been skimped or bodged.
However, that doesn’t mean you can drop your guard. There were a few recalls over the years and it’s important to ensure that any potential purchase has had the full complement of remedies. The most high-profile recall was for a ‘static-discharge fire risk’ when refuelling (cars built before August 2001), but others include a front suspension ball-joint and lower-arm upgrade (cars up to August 2001 again), possible tyre-wall cuts (cars built in January and February 2002), and one for a handbrake fault on all pre-December 2002 Minis.
