The previous generation MINI (the one that ran from 2001-2006) is a used value star performer. Finding a bargain – particularly during its first few years on sale – was difficult. This car will continue to hold on to its value by maintaining the appeal that made it so popular in the first place.

MINI Cooper S running costs are also very competitive. When it comes to servicing there is the tlc pack, which means you don’t have to worry about servicing costs for five or eight years as it’s one fixed cost up front. This package also helps keep used values strong – buyers are keener to buy a car that’s been looked after and appreciate the security of knowing future work is already paid for.

It fares well on other costs too: it’s reasonable to insure, fuel economy is decent (and better than before) and it costs substantially less to tax than before. One cost to bear in mind is that the run-flat tyres will cost more to replace that standard tyres. The Cooper SD hatch added to the range in 2011 will average 65.7mpg, frugal and sporty.

Whether you opt for the diesel or petrol, MINI Cooper S emissions are low. The petrol performs well on the eco front with a CO2 output of 136/km with manual gearbox. Economy is good too with 48.7mpg achievable.

The Sports Diesel MINI has more going for it than just performance. The engineers have built the engine to cater for those who want to have fun and maximize their economy while emitting relatively low CO2 emissions.

The boffins at MINI call this ‘MINIMALISM’ – it’s similar to the ‘Efficient Dynamics’ set-up that can be found on BMW cars. The ‘MINIMALISM’ set-up includes brake energy generation, auto stop/start, gearchange indicator and electric power steering. Emissions are just 114g/km of CO2 – not bad at all.

When the previous MINI was launched in 2001, some of the early cars suffered from glitches; others were simply unreliable. These problems were quickly ironed out and MINI now has a very good record.

There was a recall in January 2012 for certain Cooper S models regarding the additional water pump so worth checking if the work was required and if so, has been carried out. Otherwise, the MINI Cooper S reliability is very good.