It's been a company car in the field since November 2008 (2009 model) it has 130k on it. It is back in the shop.

We replaced a water pump early, right after we busted the warranty on it.

Check engine light was coming on, mileage started dropping, and it was burning oil. Mechanic told us it was a vacuum pump. He needed to get the part from MINI and was going to call back with an estimate, he never called.

It needed tires, so had that guy looked at it and replaced two cam sensors. He saw no reason to replace the vacuum pump, which explains why there was no return call. Check engine light went out, mileage recovered after this repair it hasn't been long enough to determine if the burning oil issue was resolved.

My runner just called me, check engine light is on, the screen is flashing "catalytic converter" and there is a strong sulfur smell.

Really in the grand scheme of things none of this is major, what I wonder though is should I pull this car off the road as a business car? The guy driving it, and the guys that have been driving it, don't own it, aren't responsible for maintenance and are young (driving it hard I am sure, but is just-a-cooper).

I hate the thought of replacing it as I need it far less now than when I purchased it. In two years I think my business will be such that I do not need it at all. (we put 80k on it the first two years, the rest the last 2+)

So, what's next? Or should I be safe after I replace the catalytic converter to go another 50k and two years with normal upkeep?

just as an obtw, Mini replaced a windshield stating the crack was the result of the body flexing. I didn't even ask, it was in the shop for warranty work. So when the windshield cracked again I called them back, they told me to go away. Windshields are expensive for this little thing.

 

Replacing the catalytic converter seems like it'd probably be the cheapest option. It's possible / likely the burning oil killed the cat if it was left long enough.

Water pump, cat and a couple of sensors doesn't sound too bad for a car that's been driven hard by kids for 130k miles.

Insurance may cover windshields with no deductible, but it shouldn't be breaking windshields "due to body flex" unless it's been damaged in an accident and poorly repaired (or something like that). Clubman should be relatively sturdy - it's not a rubber car like a Honda Del Sol or some others out there on the road.

 

It's a business tool so have to treat it as such. If it's costing more than it's producing, cut it loose. Fix what you have to in the most economical way just enough to sell it. However, I -would- seriously sit down to compare the soft costs/gains. I know of a local insurance guy that drives a MINI and -everyone- knows his business because of the MINI. If this is the case, then the marketing/branding far outweighs the cost to fix(even if we're talking an engine rehaul)

 

It is way cheaper than a billboard and has generated business, but not in quite a while. Not enough miles on it now.

Decided to retire it from business use and bring it home and park the SUV except for family trips (3 kids wife and I won't fit in the clubman)