It's hard to believe it's been almost 10 years! Joined the forum back in 2002 when I bought my Mini ... haven't posted since 2005. Got the bad news from the garage today ... lots of little things starting add up: bad front axle, leaking power steering pump, oil leak, bad tires, warped rotors, a few other bumps and bruises. Cost to repair is a pretty big chunk of blue book value. Is it really wise to fix all that stuff? I love this car, though. Some great times. Ugh.

Ahhh sounds you mini need a lot of tlc. If the cost is that much why don't you start the mini adventure with another mini :o
Heheh hope all works out

Ahhh sounds you mini need a lot of tlc. If the cost is that much why don't you start the mini adventure with another mini :o
Heheh hope all works out

Another 10 years and the original MINI Cooper and Cooper S will be a classic that you will wish you had kept.........:D

You're either going to have a repair note or a new car note. You can put off some repairs and do a little at a time. Put off the car note and they come and take it.

Guys I didn't mean that yawn face :tongue:

mab01uk - I like the idea of keeping it around ... if I can kep the cost down. Maybe I could phase in the repairs as Macguyvic suggests. Time for a conversation with the mechanic.

Keep it! Look around at garages who might be able to do it cheaper.

Your going to have to spent way more to change your MINI - I would keep the one you have (and if your bored with it change things - like the alloys/decals etc.

Do the most important fixes first, be cheeky and ask for a discount - if you dont ask you dont get.....and are you able to do any of it yourself?

Keep it! Look around at garages who might be able to do it cheaper.

Your going to have to spent way more to change your MINI - I would keep the one you have (and if your bored with it change things - like the alloys/decals etc.

Do the most important fixes first, be cheeky and ask for a discount - if you dont ask you dont get.....and are you able to do any of it yourself?

As long as you can keep the car repaired at the level where you feel it is dependable, it's almost always more economical to fix it rather than by a new one.

Some of the repairs you listed aren't too hard to do at home, like the rotors. You should leave the more complicated tasks to the mechanic and do the simpler stuff yourself. You'd save a lot of money in labor costs alone plus you get a little more quality time with you car and family if you can get some help from the spouse or kids.

I started off with one of the repairs at a reliable local garage ... made me happy. I like the idea of keeping it going so that helps. Thanks everyone. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Another 10 years and the original MINI Cooper and Cooper S will be a classic that you will wish you had kept.........:D

Yes right, I kept my old car for 38 years and got back 3 x what I paid for it new, you know it makes sense.
Keep it the same time and you might get 40 grand for it :wink: