Actually, $3-4K for a new engine is high for a mini. I've seen rebuilt fresh 1275cc ones for $1800-2k. A complete suspension upgrade is ~$500. I'm still learning about mine. It has some kind of upgraded 1275cc from a Metro, and believe it or not, the front brakes have 4 pistons each (they are also an upgrade). Everything is so light and easy to work on. I pulled off one of the wheels and could nearly toss it like a frisbie. The short wheel base makes going over bumbs at high speeds quite interesting. Have to admit, after driving the mini, when I get back in the SC it feels like a Cadillac. I actually like the right hand drive, more unique in the US. I thought shifting with the left hand would be awkward, but it really isn't, especially with such little force required to engage gears (not like the workout I get when trying to shift my 915 tranny). I just keep forgetting that the signal is on the right and wipers switch on the left. Every time I turn, my wipers come on
. And yes, just like my SC when I bought it, the e-brake doesn't work properly.