The thing about the Mini Cooper is that you’re totally at the mercy of the dealer as far as doing any type of maintenance on it. The engine compartment is so cramped that you can’t do much DIY work on it.
DW had an Audi TT with a transmission that was dangerous; it became 50/50 whether you would accelerate when you stepped on the gas. Audi Corporate tried to distance itself from the issue, until I kept the service loaner for over a month and said I’d pick up my car when they fixed it; if that didn’t suit them, sue me. Never again an Audi. I traded it in because I couldn’t sell it privately with a clear conscience.
When the story about cheat devices and VW, Audi, et. al. deception and shabby corporate behavior came out, I wasn’t surprised.
Around here, I’m seeing LOTS of VW cars on the used car market…at places that sell a lot of used cars. I think those cars will be very hard to sell…not a lot of confidence in VW at this point. But the prices are terrific!