We recently took our 2004 automatic Mini Cooper to the dealership for its usual annual safety check, etc. At 21 years old, it’s a champ and has been running just fine, but recently the “Check Engine” light came on so we asked them to investigate. Their diagnosis was “low compression in cylinder 3, causing rich mixture.” They recommend replacing all 8 exhaust valves.

They said the car is driveable for now but recommend staying in town. No more long road trips into remote areas. The check engine light has not come back on after taking it in, and it still runs fine.

My questions are:

1. How much time (or how many miles) do you think we might have left? Even the roughest estimate would help us with planning.
2. Does anyone know of a place in the greater Seattle area that might fix it for significantly cheaper than the dealership?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!