gud point. He may also have wheel bearing issues to think about. Which is a pretty easy check. Stand next to yer wheel and place yer foot against the top of the tire. Give it a shove with your foot. If you feel any loose movement, ANY AT ALL, have a mechanic pull and check the wheel bearings.

Hey! While you're standing around, outside teh car... Get on yer back and scoot underneath and check out yur CV boots, too! Visually, and feel around tehm for tears. If one's torn, and teh grease is all spun off, you could experience a whining sound, as teh splines slowly grind themselves to death...

 

I hate to throw this off topic, but aren't the mini's supercharged? Thats why they whine so much, I'd assume.