Im looking to get a Mini Cooper S [2005-2006 mode year]. I am looking at something around 100k Km [62k miles]. I have done my research and I am still not 100% sold on it.

I have read some bad stories about minis, but the 05-06 seem to have stuff figured out. Now, for 100k Km on the dash, I am expecting to put around 10-20% of the value back into it to get it running "properly". What I am concerned about is something major, I have read a lot about transmissions [I do believe those were automatic though, I am looking for a manual]. I have read very mixed reviews online of this specific model, with it getting high average rankings but the most rated comments being that its been broken more than it has been on the road...granted people are more bound to complain about a car than write good reviews, but it does scare me a bit

This will be "my" first car, and the reasoning behind a Cooper is that I live in a city, I read its a fun car, drove the normal cooper and it was fun as well. I dont have a family and this seems like a sensible option.

When I go and testdrive the used cars [in Italy], what are some things to look at? I will be driving it around 1,000 Km back home from Italy. What are the major "flaws" on the 05-06 R53s? I do not mind if its a bit noisy, if the interior is a bit clunky or the light inside doesnt work all too well, but I want to buy a solid piece of "car" and the rest I can deal with...

Thank you in advance for your input, I hope I wont break down on the side of the road somewhere