The good, bad and ugly
 

The wife and I are looking at purchasing a new mini and it would be our first but seeing as how we have never owned one or known anyone else who has, we wanted the good, bad and ugly on them. I figured what better place then here to get the info from a bunch of Mini lovers. I first fell in love with the Mini when stationed in Berlin Germany in 91 but have never owned one. Please let us know the GBU of this car. Thanks

The only thing I can say for certain after owning mine such a short time, if you aren't young, long rides might hurt your back, it's a pretty stiff ride. Also I'm a big guy so no one sits behind me lol.

A hoot to drive
 

I bought my '05 Cooper S in February 2012. So far it's been a hoot to drive. No doubt it's a pretty stiff ride but I changed the run flats to normal General G Max tires and that sure helped a lot.
On interstate, as long as the road bed is smooth, you just can't find a more solid riding car. It's weird b/c it rides so darn smooth. But when you do hit those cracks and expansion joints, you know it and feel it.
Best thing to do if you have not purchased one yet, is go drive a used one first. I say this b/c they might let you keep it out more than a brand new one. It's a bit of cheating, but if it works, it works, eh?;)
I've owned everything from MGs to mercedes to BMW to corvettes, and I tell ya, my little Cooper S is just plain fun to drive and own.
Good luck. Let us know what you do.:)