Having enjoyed a ZED, in 5 minutes of Mini ownership you'll be aching for the thrills of the ZED , but yes, we all have to make compromises.
If I had to rely on a cheap town run-about for a while I'd go for a Suzuki Swift Sport (it comes with the stripes etc if that's your thing) and then use/save the £k's you'll otherwise have to spend on a Mini and the bits you are thinking of adding. I am not sure that with all the Minis now appearing the present relatively good residuals will remain a few years on - we shall see. I now