Z,
I looked at them long and hard a few months back. I was just a hair away from making the move when I took one last test ride and changed my mind - Partially due to my wife's distain for the little beauties and partially due to discovering that I work for a company that has a 'partnership' program of some kind with FOMOCO. I ended up with a Mazda 3 instead. I'm pleased with it, but had it not been for the other reasons, I'd have a Mini.
After testing several variants, my choice was the std. Mini with the sport package. I decided the turbo didn't give me any benefit at all unless I had my foot stuck to the floorboard and it only ate more gas. I was primarilly looking for handling as opposed to shear neck snapping power - which in my opinion was less than I'd expected from the turbo. I am also of the opinion that the space gained in the clubman is not worth the price or what it does to the 'looks' of the Mini.
Be sure to take a ride - or several rides (They're real good about that) to determine what it is you want. You might want to swing around the house and see what you can stick inside the thing, too. Depending on your personal preferences and needs, you may either be impressed or disappointed. There's plenty of driver room and comfort - but things get a bit 'iffy' behind the driver's seat.
I still think they're great, but like all small cars, there are limitations to their utility factor. If fun is more important than utility - It's got to be high on the list.
I had compared them to a motorcycle with windows or a go-cart with a radio.
