Can't say enough about them. They look great, are VERY safe with six air bags, amazing stability control systems, etc., very good in the snow (with snow tires especially), and are more fun to drive than anything I've had my hands on. Fule economy is good, too, even in an S.
I too intially looked at USED - on eBay for example - but soon realised that if I was going to spend that much on a formerly owned vehicle, I may as well just go brandy NEW; the cost is virtually the same due to the excellent resale. From what I've read and heard, go with 2005 and up. All the minor "kinks" have been worked on on these later model years. Love mine!
Off to work! I can't wait to go this morning! :-)

 

LOL, i exist. I'm not a die hard MiNi driver yet, hence my lack of response. I'm a muscle car guy and am really just gathering information with the anticipation that when her taurus dies it's gonna be Mini time. I think they look cool and am just making sure they aren't demanding if driven normally. Thanks to all who replied. I'm sure i'll be checking back regularly. :D

 

Just got an 06 Cooper S from Cinci Mini - I test drove both the standard and the S - S was definitely the one for us. We had some snow/ice this weekend and it behaved awesome. We previously had a Ford Focus which was good in the snow, but not as good as this... also our insurance premiums have actually dropped.

Expensive car (for me anyway!!), but I think it is the best fun you can have in the real world - what good is 400hp if you can't lay it down on the road?? For anyone in the Cinci area, the roads around Rabbit Hash are AWESOME - just take 75S to the Florence Burlington exit and follow it all the way out.