[Zinky]

I really liked the car (2003) the three years that I had it but the long term ownership prospects sort of scared me. Everything is covered for the first three years/36k miles. Even the $75 oil changes after the three years weren't bad considering they were every 10-15,000 miles and were synthetic. But during the three years I owned it, I had several things replaced under warranty; mainly trim coming loose. When I sold it, I got very close to what I paid for it, but I don't think that would happen now.

I looked at it again, but the $6,000 more it would cost for similar equipment just dropped it out of consideration. I'd have dropped another $2,500 for a loaded Fiesta before choosing a Mini again. The new Focus would probably get the nod over the Mini if they were similarly priced because it would be better equipped and be so much more spacious especially in the back seats.