My 3rd Mini. Had a 2002 S bought used then leased a 2009 S for three years. Wife drove both. The 2002 was so expensive to maintain but we loved it. The 2010 was a lease so it was easy.

Bought the 2007 for our dAughter as her first car 2 years ago with 67,000 miles. Bought from the dealer. Not the S version. Now car has 74,000 miles and daughter won't be driving it for the next year due to college. No issues last two years. No warranty.

Brought it in due to check engine light. My notes from conversation with dealer service.

Light due to exhaust side solenoid valve - need to be replaced - $575
Front Brakes pads and rotors (Original on the car) - $639

Authorized them to do these two.


Other
2 oil leaks -none hit the ground yet
1) valve cover gasket, -$360
2) oil pan gasket -$440
-$200 savings if done together

Lower control arm bushing - cracked - $1400 - both sides

I may take it to an independent shop for the leaks and control arm bushings but it's way out of my way. Independent shop may save me $500 But cost me the same for my time and aggravation.

Maybe I'll just wait.


PS - foreign (non Japanese) car independent service is a sham here. They are just as expensive. Except for the Filipino shop I used to take my e34 and 2002 mini to. The local shop I did an oil change with charged me $5 for an oil change than the dealer and that included a $30 coupon.

 

That sure is pricey......however Mini's haven't the best mechanical reputation. I've got a 2012 Justa with 33,000 and I'm out of bumper to bumper warranty. Another year on the powertrain. It's been great--I bought it off a lease turn in and it has a very clean, no repair history--but I don't think I want to own it out of warranty. Rather put that repair money towards another used one under warranty. With the repair money they want perhaps turn it in?