Hehe,
I think that salesman must have worked for a lot of dealers across the country

Strange, I also considered the 500 when I was looking for a small econobox to replace the Boxster. Needn't have worried, as the potential work relocation north of the border didn't happen, but the MINI has really grown on me (despite splitting an intake hose last week thereby spraying oil on the turbo heatshield

and under the bonnet). Typical BMW of course, can't just buy the rubber hose, have to get the two rubber hoses and interconnecting plastic tube all in one
I shall find out at the soon to be needed service why there is so much oil in the intake air...
Cheers,