[David McLaughlin]

I have a 2010 MINI non S (no turbo) coupe. While it’s lacking in grunt, it can be wound out and takes corners well. I have about 150k miles on it and I think it’s done. Everything seems to be going bad. Just replaced a frozen brake caliper, need to replace frozen tie rods. Something I doubt a Texas car would need as I’m in the rust belt. The car now needs front struts and a clutch. I suppose that’s not bad with so many Boston traffic and New England road miles.

I’m very torn. I like my car. It gets great gas mileage. Very fun to drive. Unique. But it needs so much and I’m not about to trust a daily driver to my mediocre repair skills. So, $3k or more to keep a $1500 (trade in) car going. But I like my car...