The world is coming apart, my beloved '03 Cooper S - Blueberry - is hurtin bad. Okay to start off, I will explain what's up.

1) The passenger seat wont stay upright, it "clicks" only at the most reclined position. Kinda awkward for friends, but not the end of the world.

2) The stereo doesn't work so hot. The display doesn't work, it lights up but won't show text any more. I can turn the radio on with the on/off button, but after that I have to use the steering wheel controls for tune and volume. My iPod adapter doesn't work any more, neither does the CD function.

3) Here's the big one. The puzzler. Started about 6 months ago. The battery died completely and it sat for a week dead in my driveway, I got it towed to Herb Chamber Mini where I got the car, and they said it was a short from the front right headlight. They said the alternator was fine. Sounded a little fishie, but I'm not a car chick so I just took their word for it. Blueberry worked fine for about 3 months, but now its doing the not-starting-outta-nowhere thing again. I got a new battery, hoping that was the problem. Not so much. Still doing his monthly dying routine. AAA said the alternator was fine.

I dont know what to do! I dont want to have to sell my baby, but I cant afford to keep going back to different repair places without them figuring it out! I'm an 18 yo student who's next to broke. My dad gave me this car when I turned 16, and I love my lil guy, I dont want to give him up.

If you have *any* ideas or tips or tricks, I would be thrilled. Thanks all! Feel free to email me at marg.pangburn@gmail.com if you have any ideas.

XoXo, Blueberry's mama