Ferrari Mailing List: NFC - Mini Cooiper S Convertible Advice

[Larry B (larrybard]

My wife would like a sporty convertible for what she expects will be a 
relatively short (e.g., 10 miles each way) commute to her new job.  Can't be 
a vehicle that she considers showy, like a BMW or Corvette.  Her only "must 
haves" are a decent sound system (which I suppose could be provided on an 
aftermarket basis, but she would prefer not to bother) and a very good 
(e.g., xenon) lighting system.  Price should be less than $30k.  Mini Cooper 
S with 6 speed manual seems to fit the bill.  She test drove one this past 
weekend and really liked it.  I always prefer to let someone else eat the 
initial depreciation on a car, and buy used, but it's nevertheless likely 
the mini would be purchased new; used ones seem to be selling for too close 
to new ones.

Two questions: (1) In addition to a Miata/mx-5, any others that come to mind 
as being worthy of consideration?  (I don't think I would feel comfortable 
buying any Ford/GM/Chrysler products.) (2) Any Mini options that we might 
later regret not having purchased? At present she only feels strongly about 
the lights ($550) and audio ($550), though we're going online this evening 
to review all the possibilities.

Please respond privately.  I would love to hear form anyone who has first 
hand experience with the mini.

Thanks,
Larry