I am getting prepared for a week long trip to Palm Springs, and have found that when I rent a car from the "run-of-the-mill" places I get a terrible experience. During the week long vacation period I find that I need my MINI "fix" but must wait until I get home. Especially in Southern California, I find it even more painful while driving a rental when I see all of those MINI's pacing by...as I slug-along!
I did a search on the internet and came up with this - http://www.bhrentacar.com/category/Premium which they rent as a "premium" vehicle. The price daily is "WOW" $125.00/day for an "S" !!!
I guess I will be renting the Thrifty "Clunker"!

 

Well if it is consouling thought; I had mid-sized oh-hum rental out of San Francisco at $200 for one day. Sounds like you found a place with fun per dollar.

 

We've rented MINIs a few times in Britain, they aren't cheap there either, and supplied by prestige rental places. Though the last time we rented a MINI for week, then got a Ford Focus for the rest of the time. The Focus was a big let down.

 

I remember a few years ago being in Mexico with my parents and there was a MINI on the car rental lot. I was nagging my dad to rent it and he just said "nahhh, maybe some other time." Now I see why he didn't want it, $125 a day!? Wow.