I am a new Mini MCS owner and I love the car so far. Many people have chipped in to some of my posts and been a life saver so far. I am even learning how to more effectively search the forums so that I can avoid asking a question that has been answered thoroughly. A great for instance is the fact that the Mini dealer quoted $235 to replace 3 burned out lights (1 parking light, 1 front side marker, 1 rear side marker), i went to Advance Auto and bought all of the small bulbs for inside and out for $30 and spent 15 minute changing them all out. Wow, not to mention I switched from white to orange for the parking lights, nice!!

I am going to have the car in this week to have the following items replaced:

1. Radiator fan (i think both stages have failed now)
2. Lower Control arm bushings
3. Rear struts

I am replacing the rear struts only, is that foolish? While I am having a mechanic do the work should I have them replace any other inexpensive wear and tear item. Always easier to have it done on the front end. I decided not to replace the front struts because I thought the bushings would be enough, plus my mechanic only recommended those.

Thoughts. Thanks in advance.