An $18,000 car that will be worth less than 10,000 within a year of purchase.

And I'm in the group that thinks the marketing plan is to appeal to MINI owner wannabees. In fact, I think that's the appeal of the Scion Xd too. Appeals to recent college grads (and Baby Boomers) that can't afford a genuine MINI. I know, because that's the way I thought too before putting out the extra bucks for a MINI.