The problem with manufacturer warranties is most of them will have a wear n tear exclusion clause, ie they will not cover such things as the clutch, exhaust, tires etc, maybe the waterpump, if you think about you can't blame them, when you see how your average jo public drives their car these days with little mechanical sympathy. This applies even more so with the MINI as I bet most get thrashed or driven to their limits, I'm not blaming the owners, it's just the nature of the car that it likes to driven with gusto.
The problem with MINI's is they ain't the cheapest car to fix so if you wan't a cheap car then drive something else. There is no way I would own a MINI without a waranty and as soon as mine was up I took one out with Warranty Direct who cover all wear n tear items, Think about it £23.99 a month for my S and it gets to be repaired at a BMW dealer or £19.99 to be repaired at one of Warranty Directs network dealers, so a new clutch or gearbox etc would be a bargain.
I can sympathise when your still have the manufacturers warranty and BMW won't honour failed items and this was one of the reasons why I refused to take up BMW rip off extended warranty at £560 for one year. Much better to go independent.
