I want to replace my aging Nissan Altima with a good reliable, simple to maintain and inexpensive vehicle. I test drove a 2010 Mini Hardtop with Automatic transmission with 44K miles the other day and I was wondering what expenses I should expect as an owner of a mini of this year. I am used to toyota and honda and we also have a 2013 Subaru Outback (almost new, so havent had any maintenance besides an oil change).

I drive only about 5 miles per day during the week and park on the weekends, so whatever I get I could keep for a long time

I also looked at a 2004 Mini Hardtop with the CVT transmission and I was told not to touch it wwith a 10' pole as the transmissions were prone to failure and this is why they changed to a conventional 6 sp automatic. I also googled the issue and it seems like there is a large class action lawsuit brewing so that people can get their $6000 back from transmission rebuilds.