I have a 2003 Mini Cooper (Base) that I inherited from my wife when she got an SUV (blame it on having a baby). While the Mini has been a great car, it's time for us to sell it, so I took it to the local Mini dealership to have them turn off an air bag light that is on. They did a full diagnosis and came up with the following:

(1) Air Bag - all the faults came up in their system when they did the diagnosis. They would need to first replace the module (which would not guarantee that the air bag light will go off). Cost to replace module: $1268

[Note: my wife left the driver's side window open a few years ago, and then it rained. Not sure if this could have caused the air bag light to come on.]

(2) Upper strut mounts need to be replaced. Cost: $920

(3) Control arm bushings need to be replaced. Cost: $869

According to Edmunds, the value of the car in a private sale if it is in "Clean" condition is about $7500. I think a decent mechanic could tackle (2) and (3) for a few hundred dollars.

(1) seems more problematic. I'm not very mechanical so I have no idea what to do. Anyone aware of a mechanic near Fairfield County, CT that could help?

Any advice (other than shelling out the $1268 for what might not solve the problem)? While I want to provide a prospective new owner with a car that it's good shape, I don't want to spend a fortune to get to that point.

Thanks.