Is it safe to drive?
 

My Mini Copper (52 plate) was diagnosed as needing new diff bearers or a recon gearbox today, the mechanic said the damage is done, it changes gear and drives fine, is just noise from the gearbox, and that he would be very, very suprised if driving it until it gets the work done resulted in a breakdown. Should I risk it? I need to use the car for a couple of 50 mile round trips...is this wise or should I just leave it in the garage until its fixed?

If the mechanic says it's OK to drive I'd have to assume he knows the shape it's in ... it's near impossible to diagnose over the internet..

I'd be sure to get (in writing if possible)that they will cover it under warranty if something else breaks due to driving it

Cheers, looks like I will be able to take it off the road until it gets the work done anyway, so the only journey it will make is the one to the garage. As for the warranty, I am hoping the dealer will pay for the repairs as I have only had the car a week, if not and the warranty won't pay then I may look into getting it done elsewhere.