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F409 SLF

1989 Austin Mini Racing Flame

Red Petrol 998cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires7 Apr 2027
Tests36 (18 pass, 18 fail)
Pass rate50%

Mileage

14,816 mi
Last recorded14,816 miles
Recorded on8 Apr 2026
Typical for 1989 Austin Mini Racing Flame60,414 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Austin
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationF409 SLF
MakeAustin
ModelMini Racing Flame
Year1989
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine998cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

18 pass 18 fail
Pass 8 Apr 2026 14,816 miles
Pass 7 May 2024 14,719 miles

all suspension cone springs weak and front suspension sitting on bump stops

Fail 2 May 2024 14,719 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt inner knuckle joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt inner knuckle joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength around rear sub frame mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

all suspension cone springs weak and front suspension sitting on bump stops

Pass 3 May 2023 14,380 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flange to manifold (6.1.2 (a))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced various places around body (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Fail 2 May 2023 14,380 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt knuckle joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt knuckle joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flange to manifold (6.1.2 (a))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced various places around body (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Pass 7 May 2022 13,948 miles
Fail 27 Apr 2022 139,481 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Front Suspension rod insecurely attached trumpet to cone spring (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Pass 3 Dec 2019 13,623 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flange to manifold (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

front suspension low and bump stops very close to touching suspension arms

Fail 26 Nov 2019 13,620 miles

Nearside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))

Offside Front Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt knuckle joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flange to manifold (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

front suspension low and bump stops very close to touching suspension arms

Pass 21 Nov 2018 13,159 miles

Nearside reversing lamp not working

Fail 20 Nov 2018 13,155 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt radius arm knuckle joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting insecure front mount seperated (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt knuckle joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt radius arm knuckle joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside reversing lamp not working

Pass 29 Nov 2017 12,362 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Fail 13 Nov 2017 12,361 miles

Offside Front Suspension has inadequate clearance with the bump stop (2.4.A.1a)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement inner (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Front bump stop very close to suspension

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement inner (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear wheel bearing noisy

Offside slight corrosion to outer sill not within prescribed area

Parking brake minimum limit just met 16%

Pass 15 Nov 2016 11,321 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement inner (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement inner (2.4.G.2)

offside and nearside front bump stops very close to touching suspension arm

oil leaks from engine

Fail 26 Oct 2016 113,210 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (7.3.B.1b)

Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration (7.3.A.2c)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Coolant leak ()

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement inner (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement inner (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak ()

offside and nearside bump stop's very close to touching suspension

Pass 5 Nov 2015 9,637 miles

Offside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

offside and nearside front lower suspension arm inner bushed deteriorated

Fail 30 Oct 2015 9,634 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Offside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

offside and nearside front lower suspension arm inner bushed deteriorated

Pass 10 Dec 2014 84,205 miles

front subframe offside and nearside mountings deteriorated

slight play in nearside front hub

Fail 30 Oct 2014 84,205 miles

All position lamps not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

corrosion to both sides outer sill and nearside front floor to bulk head outside prescribed area's

Pass 22 Oct 2013 57,390 miles
Fail 15 Oct 2013 56,999 miles

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Pass 3 Nov 2012 44,028 miles

offside and nearside front outer sill have corrosion but not within prescribed area

oil leaks from engine

Fail 3 Nov 2012 44,028 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the left. (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

offside and nearside front outer sill have corrosion but not within prescribed area

oil leaks from engine

Fail 12 Sep 2012 4,396 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (7.3.B.1b)

Nearside Front Suspension has inadequate clearance with the bump stop (2.4.A.1a)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Suspension has inadequate clearance with the bump stop (2.4.A.1a)

Offside Front Upper Driver's door hinge insecure (6.2.B.2)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

corrosion to offside and nearside outer sill and front floor area not within prescribed area

front suspension lower arms and tie bar bushes in poor condition

oil leaks from engine

Pass 13 Sep 2011 3,238 miles

Nearside Lower Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Lower Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Lower Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

offside and nearside outer sills corroded out side prescribed area

offside upper door hinge loose

Fail 23 Aug 2011 3,238 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

Nearside Front Sub-frame attachment rubber mounting bonding deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Offside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

slight movement in both sides lower ball joints

small hole in both sides outer sills outside prescribed area

Pass 6 Jul 2010 1,007 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

driver door top hinge loose/insecure

emission test h c level high

Fail 6 Jul 2010 1,007 miles

Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

driver door top hinge loose/insecure

emission test h c level high

Fail 28 May 2010 1,007 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

hc level high on idle

movement in rea offside radius arm bush

offside door top hinge loose

Pass 4 Jun 2009 99,090 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

corrosion to offside outer sill outeside prescribed area

Fail 28 May 2009 99,090 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (7.3.B.1b)

Front Windscreen wiper control missing (8.2.1a)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Direction indicator flashing less than 60 times a minute (1.4.A.2g)

Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the left. (1.8)

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

corrosion to offside outer sill outeside prescribed area

Pass 28 May 2008 92,028 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front Sub-frame attachment rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

nearside front brake pipe rusting

nearside outer sill corroded

offside outer sill corroded

Fail 19 May 2008 91,986 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Hazard warning switch faulty (1.4.B.1d)

Headlamp switch faulty (1.7.1)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Front Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front Sub-frame attachment rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

nearside front brake pipe rusting

nearside outer sill corroded

offside outer sill corroded

slight movement nearside rear radious arm bush

unable to check fuel cap (locked)

unable to test boot lid (locked)

Pass 15 May 2007 89,520 miles
Fail 15 May 2007 89,520 miles

Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 24 Jun 2006 88,512 miles

How Reliable is the Austin Mini Racing Flame?

Based on 7,572 MOT tests across 764 vehicles.

64.3%
Pass Rate
759
Miles/Year
37
Year Lifespan
764
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 556
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive 551
Steering rack gaiter split 512
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 430
fog lamp not working 356
Full Austin Mini Racing Flame reliability report

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F409 SLF is a 1989 Austin Mini Racing Flame in Red with a 998cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 50%.

Across all 1989 Austin Mini Racing Flame models, the average MOT pass rate is 64.3% with a typical mileage of 60,414 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Austin Mini Racing Flame fails its MOT is subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, accounting for 556 recorded failures. If you're considering buying F409 SLF, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Austin Mini Racing Flame typically stays on UK roads for around 37 years. At 37 years old, this Austin Mini Racing Flame is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of F409 SLF?

You can check the full history of F409 SLF by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F409 SLF registered?

F409 SLF is a 1989 Austin Mini Racing Flame, first registered on 20 April 1989.

Is F409 SLF safe to buy?

The MOT history for F409 SLF shows 36 tests with a 50% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F409 SLF have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on F409 SLF. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.