Sounds like standard fare for Mini ownership. A coworker has a base Mini and has put well over $10k into repairs, including head work, in the 4-5 years he's owned it.
The brand is rated a 0 on LTQI: http://www.dashboard-light.com/reports/MINI.html
And the Mini Cooper is rated 0 as well: http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/MINI_Cooper.html
It's not a reliable car or brand...
Sounds like a car with a lot of “character”
It's a shame there aren't any fun, inexpensive, reliable cars out there.
ok, in the past 4 months I've been to the shop 6 times (whipped out my CC 4 of those times) and been to the dealer once (recall work).
I'd sell the car for parts right now if it weren't for the big ass smile it puts on my face when it works.
I can assure you my Prelude never put this smile on my face.
I put 60k miles on my Prius (80k -> 140k) and it's only needed AGM battery, tires, and oil.
Also, I would highly recommend AAA premier for anyone looking to buy a Mini
This was <$1k in parts, I do my own work.
Miatas are cool but boost is cooler. =P
For the money you have spent you could have a boosted miata. It still wouldn't need AAA membership.
I'll look into Miatas again in a decade.