Advice on the Cooper S
 

So I'm going to be making a decent amount of money this summer with my job, and then in the fall I might be attending gradschool and working also. So right now I drive a dodge ram (not the best mpg) and wanted a small, fun car with good mpg but also something I don't mind getting into day in, day out. First car I thought of, Mini Cooper S. Drove an 05, loved the ride, responsiveness, etc. I wanted to buy one this summer (03-07, depending on price) that's the right car for me, any advice on their reliability? How about the super vs turbo charged ones, manual or automatic (in the case of the turbo). I will probably go the manual route unless I found a newer turbo w/ decent miles and the auto. What's the real difference in ride/power/etc between the turbo and the supercharged models? Vehicle maintenance wouldn't be an issue really, I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, I've done brakes, oil changes, plugs/wires, cam, etc. to my truck. Thanks for any and all info.

I'd not really recomend an automatic ... There are tons of troubles and they are EXTREMELY pricey to repair replace

I've had mine for 6 years and only had a power steering issue ($800)
and brakes did myself

I prefer the S/C over the turbo due to upgradeability

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I'm looking to get an 04 or 05 for a decent price with hopefully under 70k miles. The turbo really only interests me because of the better stock mpg

An 07 or newer MCS with its turbo, better mileage, and many other refinements is the much better choice. And, a 6 speed is the only way to go--a beautifully geared and shifting trans.

Agreed with BMBULBE. Got a turbo with a six speed and love it. Can't beat the gas mileage.