+1 on the pads, the Mini is the most reliable car to date I have owned over the last 6 years, and its a shame you seem to have one made in hell

Scrap dealers, nope they dont care, but maybe take it to a garage who specialize in Mini Coopers? I dont take mine to any back street garage, I pay a little more to have it looked after by people who know the car inside out

How much service history came with the car? Has it been looked after properly before you had it?

Are the disc's ok? If not (BACK SIDE TOO) then this will wear the pads unevenly, affect braking overall, and yes, you will be replacing pads like there going out of fashion

Also "PATTERN" pads are a no no, sorry, I only buy the best, replace only like for like, or better if its available

You dont put Walmart oil in a Rolls Royce, why should a Mini be any different?