Opinions on a Mini Cooper S?

[BriK]

Have you thought about a Mazda3? I've loosely been researching the 5-door hatches as a beater for myself. They offer similar advantages/features that you describe of the Mini, there are plenty of them out there, and they offer more interior space. AFAIK, the Touring S and Grand Touring S models are the only ones with Traction Control so those are the only ones I, personally, would consider.