Just wondering if anyone has any info on Mini Cooper (not S) tyre life.

A friend of mine bought one with 4k on the clock, and it had 2 brand new front tyres fitted. She has done another 4k in it now and the tyres are bald. Not just on the wear indicators but proper bald! The wear is pretty even, with no sign of shoulder wear or other tracking type problems. It is going back to the dealer for a check tomorrow, but they have already told her that "low profile tyres only last 3-4 months" so I want to head off any of the usual garage attempts to confuse her (she is not technically-minded).

The tyres are Dunlop SP Sport 01 DSST 205/40R18. Even the Cooper S hooligans I can find on the web seem to get much more than that, and my friend drives nice and steadily!

Any thoughts gratefully received!

Nick