There's definately no other car like a Mini. I've driven alot of different cars over the years, most were more comfortable and came with things like air con, power everything etc. On the flipside if you break down in a new car unless it's anything other than a flat tire or battery or running out of fuel you might as well just call the tow truck, just ask the dozens of owners I saw broken down on the trip home from Adelaide. That's not even mentioning the devaluation on new cars, my 2002 Sonata cost $28,000 new and I just sold it for $12,000. At least with a Mini as long as you look after it it will only go up in value, something unheard of in most cars.
With a Mini you have engine and road noise, natures own air con (windows), you feel every bump on the road, but you actually feel like you're really driving. Even the oldest men turn into little boys again when around or even better driving them. Best of all is the fact that you can fix them yourself with a little knowlege if and when they break down, you also don't have to worry about warranty and crap if you want to modify it, don't like the drums, rip em off and put discs on., then you'll stop in a hurry.
This should be in the bumper sticker thread, how's this one "A Mini gets older but the driver doesn't"
Take a Magnet in a Hanky and use it to find Bogged up sections...Pull some of the carpet up and look at the floor...Mech is easyer to fix
..Now I have 2 
..and every body loves you're Mini
...it's not stopping....
