Had my 2007 MCS in to the dealer for the auxiliary water pump recall and asked them to check out a couple things while in. I bought the car from them 2 weeks ago and have no extended warranty.
I noticed a clicking noise sometimes at slow speeds and a ticking noise that goes away when the clutch pedal is pushed in.
They say the clutch noise is the pressure plate and springs but it is ok and fully operational. Doesn't require replacement.
The other noise is internal to the steering rack with is ok and fully operational. But also quoted me $2300.00 to replace the steering rack.
Is an internal noise in an OK and fully functional steering rack normal? The car handles fine, no different than any of the other minis I test drove before buying this car.
Just wondering if the steering rack's time is limited.

 

The clutch-related 'ticking' sounds like the throw-out bearing; it may go eventually, but there's probably little point in tearing into the clutch until it does...

The steering-related 'clicking' could be a number of things other than the rack (a bad CV joint leaps to mind). I believe I'd get a second opinion on that one.