I have a 2005 MCS with 138k miles. Clutch has started slipping a bit when starting on hills, I'm sure it's just a matter of a short time before it will need to be replaced.

Here's the dilemma: I live in Southern Maryland, about an hour south of DC or Annapolis. There are some reputable general auto mechanics here, but no one with a lot of experience with MINIs. Do I get the clutch replaced:

a) Local shop who might not know much about MINIs
b) Dealer in Annapolis an hour away
c) Good indepenent shop, probably 1.5 hours away in Northern Virginia or Maryland suburbs of DC.

I would also like whomever does this to look at and assess condition of some other potential high-mileage failure areas like ball joints, bushings, CV joints, etc. I really like the car, and would like to keep it for a few more years. I've done most of the maintenance myself, but clutch and flywheel are beyond my capabilities, and 10 years in I'd kind of like a second set of eyes to tell me if anything else is going to be a problem.

Try minicooperrepairshops.com and put in your state. These are shops tat Nam people seem to like.

Sorry its minirepairshops.com

Thanks, I took a quick look yesterday. Nothing in my immediate area, but it's nice to know there are some good shops reasonably nearby.