i always rely on my mini's i have been driving an old car every day for the
past 4 year (3 of those 4 in mini) and i would not go back. i love
haviing my old cars to drive and cant really picture my self in anything
new........

IN SAYING THAT>>>> YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO TREAT A MINI THE SAME
WAY ONE WOULD BE ABLE TO TREAT A GTI. they are near to 40yo cars
and although reliable when treated right, you really cant thrash them and drive
them as unforgivingly as a late model jap hatch. someone tried that in the
last mini i sold and they lasted a week with her, after i had it for 6months
with no probs..

...just keep that in mind and you will have YEARS of fun