My mini was has a few months left of the warranty. Whilst driving down a steep incline (diversion due to road works) which I wouldn't normally do, I found that when I needed to reverse due to a car with a large trailer coming towards me, the car just wouldn't 'pull' backwards. It was quite scary and after several attempts to reverse, the man with the trailer backed downwards, so I could continue forwards. On calling the local dealer (from where I bought it) I was told that it wasn't a 'normal' issue with this car, and I could either take it in, or leave it and see how it went. When I took it in for a brake fluid service (£97.00!!!) the service manager said that I need a new clutch!!!! He blamed driver 'error' or the fact that I live in a hilly area - I told him that I'd not needed a new clutch since 1968, so it was unlikely to be my error.

I took the car to two other mechanics, who both said that the clutch only had some wear, associated with the actual mileage (22,000).

I am now feeling a little anxious as to whether there is excessive wear to the clutch, and I might be stranded far from home. Surely a clutch should last longer than 22,000 miles? I am left disappointed with the car, especially as I've been quoted £2800.00 and if it needs a flywheel, £3800.00!! A car still in warranty should not need this amount spending on it!!!

Also, I was under the impression that the brakes alert would light up well before they needed changing - the exclamation mark in the middle of the rev counter came up approximately 700 miles ago and the first time I could get it booked in, was today and the mechanic showed me that the front ones were really worn down, beyond the sensors! At my previously mentioned brake fluid service (about 6 weeks ago), the girl in the Service Reception said that I had probably, 6 months of wear left in them.

I'm beginning to feel that this car is a load of rubbish. There is also a pool of water in one of the rear foot-wells - and now the mechanic who serviced my car and replaced the front brakes today, tells me that that back door is misaligned (not flush with the vehicle) and so water may be leaking in via the seal around the door. I don't think anyone at all has ever been in the back seats, and I only open it to throw my coat in!

Anyone else had these problems?