That is true but some people buy MINIs for the wrong reason and have no idea what they are getting themselves into. As for fun to drive cars used cars from Honda and Toyota they both have some. You can still get an MR2 which is a blast and will destroy most Mini’s on the road and are very fun to drive. For Honda the CRX and Civic Si’s and even the old Prelude Si with all wheels steering are a blast to drive.
Fair - I like the old MR2.. mid engine. Getting hard to find one in good condition. Civic, CRX, Prelude.. not 100% with you there.. had a prelude. Reliable and good. But not the same feeling. No real soul. That said, I tend to like pain when it comes to cars. Alfa, BMW, VW (LOVED my 2 Corrado’s).. =)