Looking to Buy, What Year, What Engine, what Trans
 

Hey all, I am looking at adding a Mini to the car collection, Over the years I have had Boosted cars, Nitrous Cars, Classics, Daily drivers, and Pieces of ****. Well, looking to add a mini Cooper to the family to take the place of my girls daily driver which is currently a Tahoe.

I know there are differences in Generations, Engines, and Trans that make it easier to tune, work on, and get HP out of so, what is the recommended here?

1. budget for purchase is $15,000 or less
2. thinking Manual for the joy of driving (and usually tuning)
3. Leaning to the CooperS as it is a higher HP engine
4. 2 door model as the price of the Clubman and Countryman are getting up there

What are some feedback on the above as well as Maint issues / Concerns. Millage tips for care, downfalls to these cars and upsides.

I currently live in the PNW in Oregon so just mostly a lot of rain. No convertible for me, plus I am not a fan of the look of the rag top.


Thanks!