The Mini Cooper captured the imagination of car enthusiasts when BMW redesigned it as a 2002 model. Measured by dollars to the pound this diminutive car seems a bit expensive, but measured by dollars to the grin it is a bargain. The Mini Cooper is ball, a hoot, a blast on wheels. The Mini Cooper S is even more fun with its higher levels of performance, but you're hardly settling if you buy the base model.That's because regardless of model, the Mini Cooper delivers sports car handling and acceleration. It offers the cargo convenience of a hatchback and decent passenger seating for four, all stuffed into the shortest footprint on the road. It's a high-quality piece with BMW engineering, as solid as any German sedan. Its retro styling is chic, cute as a bulldog and cheeky as a mod London nightclub. And it's safe, with a multitude of passive and active safety systems working to protect you if the unforeseen should happen. All this starts at just $16,449. That's if you can find one.Click here to read more