Hi folks...posted this over on NEMini too but thought perhaps some insights might be added here as well:

Just joined up and hadn't realized there was such a fun community of Mini owners. And I've been ridiculed all my life for naming every car I own....hah!

So last summer I finally, after years of wistful gazing, purchased (!!) a used 2008 JCW MT MCS (Red, 15K) from Carmax. Did quite a bit of research on it, got it checked out and thought I had actually found a pretty good deal.

Now, <4K miles later it appears my starter is shot and my clutch needs to be replaced. Super heartbroken since this little car was supposed to be "the one". Never abused him driving around or mishandled the clutch. Currently he's at Mini of Fairfield getting worked up. The starter is covered under the extended warranty however, the clutch/flywheel is not and supposedly costs $2800. He was adamant that the two problems were unrelated. The screeching sound upon trying to start the car occurred sporadically once the cold weather hit but recently became worse, followed by subtle slipping of the clutch in the few days preceding my trip to the mechanic.

I'm going to engage in "discussions" to see whether any other agreement can be settled upon. But in the event that they stand firm, I am considering trying to get the clutch job done by a non-dealer and save some $$. Any thoughts and any MINI mechanic recommendations in the New Haven CT area +/- 1hr?

Thanks!