Got a quote for $1,500 from the dealership to replace my struts and strut mounts (my left mount wore down, and I started hearing a popping noise when turning) and align the car - is that reasonable? 2005 MC, 67K miles. They also want to replace my front bushings for $650. I don't yet have the actual estimate in front of me.

Evidently my oil pan has some oil around it, so they want to redo the seal (I'm losing oil, but very very slowly and no drips) and found some fluid leaking from my thermostat (not too surprised). I think those were another 600.

Thanks!

 

Find a qualified indy shop and quote the work, then compare.

 

Good idea!

 

The oil pan may not be the culprit. It could be the seal around the dip stick, it's more common. They will replace the pan seal and then hit you up for the dip stick tube seal. I just bought Koni FSDs front and rear for $541 shipped. My MINI mechanic will charge $250 to install all four. I think strut mounts can be had for $250 and installation is probably less than $100 if installed at same time as struts. So for a little less than what the dealer wants for OEM stuff you can have upgraded shocks and struts and mounts.
Shop around like Da Moocher says

 

From a dealer that really isn't a bad price as I've seen estimates 2x as much.

But rather than just going back with stock parts go with these aftermarket options. They will be more affordable, and perform much better.

For the Control arm bushings go with the powerflex you'll never need to replace them again. The stock ones wear out every 40k.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...shing-kit.html

For the shocks the Koni FSDs are a great value with a lifetime warranty and even ride better than stock.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-fsd-shocks.html

 

Also, the o-ring at the crank position sensor frequently leaks, and the leak is often blamed on the oil pan gasket.

 

Way Motor Works - those are what Detroit Tuned suggested. I'm getting a quote from him as well. I (stupidly) thought that the dealer would be reasonably priced. I'm not too sure what I was thinking. Don't get me wrong - I'm not upset - they have their rates, and they are what they are.

As far as these leak locations are concerned - are these the kinds of things I can clean around to help DT figure out where the actual leak is from? Or is it readily apparent when looking at the MINI? The problem is, I am concerned about driving at this point due to the clunks from my worn strut mount.

 

+1 for Mib4840 and Way's response.

The clunking, unless you're driving the heck out of it, shouldn't be a concern. I've actually just received the FSDs from Way and, as he suggested, will be installing the Ireland Engineering Fixed Camber plates along with the new shocks.

As far as the leaks go... AFAIK, it is an unfortunate common occurrence. I've heard oil pan leaks are often a misdiagnosis of crank position indicator o-ring leaks. Cleaning the engine and looking around again will help. I've often considered a borescope for digging around the engine so I can get a good view of what's really going on.

 

+1 for Ways response. An independent can install the Powerflex bushings for under $500 and Koni FSD struts for under $1000. Shop around.