I have been kicking the idea around of test driving a Mini for a while and finaly test drove a 2011 MCS 6 speed last weekend and WOW what a blast I drive a full size truck and was concerned I would feel small in traffic and it didnt seem to factor at all I drive a lot of miles and since I do I like to have fun while doing it.

Now here is my delima I drive a lot of miles 65+miles each way to work and if this is going to be my daily driver I will put 150K on it in 3-4 yrs and will have lots of miles on it before it is paid off. I have seen the service issues in the forum and understand that this is where people concentrate for advice so I understand researching here could lean heavy on the issues. So bottom line is how is the cost of ownership?

 

It can be high. These cars are not Toyotas or Hondas and definitely experience issues.

I have similar driving habits to you. I drive a lot for work and for recreation and I put 116k on my first MINI in 3.5 years.

All that said, I wouldn't have it any other way. Get an extended warranty (I have major breakdown insurance through Geico as part of my policy) and do your best to pay off the note early...then when it's time, trade 'er in on a new one!