My sister has an '02 Mini. It is great car, very fun to drive. I drove the first two weeks I had the Boxster, because it was in the shop. It is not on the same level as the Boxster, but is a great car. I almost bought myself an MCS. I know quite a lot about them if you have any specific questions. The maintenance is not that bad, but there not as easy to work on as the Boxster. Very safe, and they handle like a Go-Cart, (but in comparison to the Box. I almost feel as if I'm in an SUV). I would also check out northamericanmotoring.com. There is a lot of great info on that site.
The Mini just has a fun atmosphere.
