Just got our 06 MCS JCW from a local dealer for a diag of a leak in the thermostat housing. ( see my shock ) not a suprise really. My 04 MCS and our 06 GP had theirs replaced also. Funny thing, all were around 24k miles. REALLY! but what the heck all had been replaced under warranty.. Except this one.

This time the car was out of warranty. BY 4 DAYS!!!! it has 23k miles on it. was dropped off to dealer on Dec 4th, and warranty was out on NOV 30th. AArrrrggggggg.... the kicker was, it was in the 3 weeks prior to the 30th for a clutch issue, and asked them to look for thing else common that they could see.. mostly leaks...

Yes, I understand the date is a date issue. But it was just in for other service, and asked for this stuff to be checked... Oh well, I now have a repair on my own car do do... not a big deal..

So for my mind sanity record... i will only compare 2 of my 4 MINIs I have had

Dealer trips

04 MCS in 25kmiles no less then 10 dealer service visits (no longer have )
06 GP in 32k miles no less then 8 dealer service visits
05 Scion Xb 63k miles Dealer whats that? still on all origional parts.brakes inc
07 Toyota FJ 68k miles 1 trip to dealer ( i had to get those 3 little wiper blades FJs have ) Repairs LOL yea right.. and yes, It is used offroad. not just washboard roads.. lets go full articulation of the suspension over boulders...still on all origional parts except for bypass coilover suspension upgrade and skid plates...

But why do I have to love these damn little cars so much...

 

Good question.
I think for most of us fun is more important than flat out common sense. Kind-of like owning a big fast V8 when gas prices are high.

 

Talk to Mini USA about getting the replacement covered even though slightly out of warranty.

 

Yes, my wife is going to do that..