Cooper S 2007 Buckled Wheels

[wixer]

The Mrs's car went into the local MINI dealer yesterday for a strange noise on cold startup. I also asked them to straighten up the steering wheel as it's slightly off centre, as it has been since she's had the car, which is 6 months. Phone call later in the day telling me that the technician's judgement on the steering wheel is that the car's suffered some pothole damage and has 3 buckled wheels. They then asked if we wanted to have the alignment checked, which apparently takes about 2.5hours and at a cost of £260. The wheels, if we wanted them replaced would be £560. Now I've driven this car many times and have taken it to work on the odd occasion and it drives absolutley fine. There is no wheel wobble or vibration at any speed and there is no sign of uneven tyre wear, which, in my opinion, would now be showing. For £800, I'd rather buy a new set of aftermarket wheels !

The reason for my post, is to see if anyone else has had a similar problem, especially with the BMW wheel issues being reported on Watchdog.

I will be getting a second opinion before any work is carried out.

Needless to say they couldn't get the car to make the strange startup noise, even keeping it overnight.

[Accelebrate]

Get them to show you the pothole damage? Seek a second opinion from another MINI garage if you're not convinced and find a decent independent MINI specialist for the alignment?