Back in 2006 I wanted to get the missus an R50 Cooper S.
She hated it on the test drive.
Hated the ride and the gear change.
The sales woman could tell so offered another test drive in her own standard Cooper.
Wife said it was night and day finding it much easier to drive.
So bought her the Cooper on standard 15's.
So far in 9 years of ownership we've been lucky.
Just a leaking thermostat housing in year 3.
Oh.... and a wierd howling/wind noise when I hit about 80mph (on a trackday :wink: ). Not a problem for us as its hardly ever on a motorway but could bug the hell out of a heavy motorway user!
Going in for a new exhaust tomorrow due to a rusted back box which is quite common but cheap fix.
eBay exhausts from around £60, but gonna try a custom stainless long life one for £375.
My favourite option is the heated seats which puts the Zed's to shame.
Freezing to toasty in 10-15 seconds on our cloth seats!
Happy hunting