[Deschodt]

>You have an R53, right?

Technically R52 since it's a cabrio but yes, same thing. I didn't know the supercharger needed to be rebuilt too... Serpentine belt makes sense. Since an independent will do the water pump, I'll let him do as he sees fit - it'll cost less than the dealer anyway....

>Wouldn't a Honda, Toyota or Mazda fit the bill with better reliability?

For sure. But I can't think of any of those as a "fun" car, around that budget and size anyway. Mazda3 Sport might fit the bill but doesn't really excite me. I realize I am the problem here, I want a fun reliable beater that I can park in a shoebox ;-(

> Or Fiesta ST

Yes, but that's too new and $$$. I'm talking cheap beater here. The silly Mini ticks all the boxes, if only it were reliable ! I'm debating keeping it forever and beefing up my repair skills, or offloading it the day after I get the title. Problem is I really like the stupid thing...

(then I look at the hours required to change a clutch and I cry)