Would like some input from mini owners

[E36matyac]

I'm trying to get a new car and I'm tired of having old shit that always breaks, so I'm looking at getting a mini cooper s, ford focus ST or a mazdaspeed3. The problem I'm having is, I know some people that have mini coopers and they always have problems with them. So that is really turning me away from them.
I am not sure what years theirs are and i know that the newer ones are built better, so that might be it.
But i am looking at getting a 2011 cooper s and i just want to know if there's anything to look for, or if you think the mazda or ford would be a better choice for someone who isn't rich. lol

Thanks for the help!

[SteveB]

I had an E36 M3 that I had done a lot of mods to it. Sold that and got an E60 530i. Big mistake. Traded that in on a 2012 S. Absolutely love it. Reminds me of driving the M3. Very nimble, good handling and fun to drive. I have recently turned over 15,000 miles in under a year of having the car and it hasn't missed a beat.
There are two forums in the Atlanta area with the biggest being atlantaminis.net. Check there for more info.

[RRSperry]

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/

I've got a 2010 MCS with a lot of mods, not one problem that has stranded the car. (it's more fun to drive than my supercharged E36 M3...)

[grussell]

We have an 02 Mini with 106k and it has been problem free. It all depends on the maintenance the prior owner performed. If you can find a car with maintenance records then you can have piece of mind.