Had three Gen 2 MINIs, one 07 Cooper (143,000 miles), one 09 Cooper S (156,000 miles), and one 09 JCW (current - 89,000 miles). The Cooper N12 engine is tough if maintained. The Cooper S engine has some weaknesses that were fixed with the 2011 models....which are much better for reliability, but share the bad reputation of the earlier cars. They are a blast to drive....even the Cooper. If I were shopping now, I'd be looking for a 2013 JCW....good combination of fun and affordability.
