Hey guys,
I just started a new job that requires that I drive about an hour each way to work. I really want a Mini and I have since they came out. I just never had a good excuse before.

I'm looking at a '02 Base Cooper, 84,000 miles, Red, 5-Speed Manual, Sunroof, leather, etc...

I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks and I know to stay away from the automatics and I wouldn't buy an automatic anyway.
This one obviously has a stock Midlands transmission in it. I know the Getrag is the preferred transmisison, but I was wondering how many of you have the Midlands. I know it's easy to find lot's of folks who have problems, but I can't help but think there are probably a ton of them out there that have perfomed flawlessly for a lot of miles. If not, tell me. If there are, give me an idea how many miles I can expect.

I don't know if I'll buy the one I'm looking at or not, but it seems to be a good deal right now. I intend to have them run a CAR FAX for me so maybe that will tell me more.

I wouldn't be opposed to replacing the Midlands down the road with a Getrag 6-speed if I feel the car is worth the upgrade.

Thanks,
Brent