[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The current MINIs are a completely new design. There may be some models that are a holdover from the previous generation, but I think they're just about all changed over by now. So a used MINI will almost certainly be different from what you drove.

OK, a few generalisms:
- 1st gen MINIs went from 2002 up through 2006. (But the convertibles did not change over until 2009, I think.)
- 2nd gen MINIs ran from 2007 up though the 2014 or 2015 model year.
- 3rd gen is the current version of the MINI.

Each generation has gotten larger, heavier, and softer. The 1st-gen were known for "go-kart" handling.

All generations had the base Cooper, the Cooper S, and either the John Cooper Works edition or the JCW trim level. In the first two generations, the Cooper was naturally-aspirated. The S and JCW were supercharged in the 1st-gen, and turbocharged in the 2nd-gen. (They're all turbo'ed in the 3rd-gen.) The suspensions were tuned differently in the three trim levels, and in addition there was a Sports Suspension option which provided a stiffer setup.

There were a number of body styles, each of which could be had in base, S, or JCW form. In the 1st gen, you could get the Hardtop (the regular hatchback) or the Convertible. Not sure if there were any others.

The 2nd-gen had the Hardtop, the Convertible, the Clubman (slightly larger, half-size "suicide" door on passenger side, split side-opening rear doors instead of lifting hatchback), the Coupe (two seater with an odd roofline), the Roadster (two-seater convertible), the Countryman (rather larger four-door), and the Paceman (two-door version of the Countryman).

The only AWD models until recently were the 2nd-gen Countryman All4, which was an S with an AWD transmission, and similarly the Paceman All4, which was also an S.

Avoid the early 1st-gen CVT-transmission cars. The CVT is problematic and very expensive to fix when it fails. The first ~3 years of the 2nd gen turbo cars have a relatively high number of problems, as well. There have been safety recalls, and now there is a "service action" to replace the timing chain assembly--but the new parts aren't perfect, either. The direct-injection setup is prone to carbon buildup in the intakes, which can also cause problems. There was an engine change for the 2010 model year, and that seems to have slightly fewer problems.

That said, there are a whole lot of people out there who love their 2nd-gen Cooper S or JCW cars!

I'm not a fan of AWD. I grew up in the Midwest, where s--tty weather is an annual thing, and we never needed AWD. Just decent tires, and having a clue how to drive in the snow, were more than good enough. (Too many people think AWD is a "get out of physics free" card--and it isn't!) It also seemed to me like the Countryman All4 (automatic trans) loaner I drove wasn't really any faster than my Cooper hardtop with a manual.

If you like sharp handling, I would recommend checking out a 1st-gen Cooper S. Try one from about 2005 or 2006. Evidently the supercharger whine is addictive, and the handling is very sharp for a FWD car. They have issues with mushrooming strut towers, but those can usually be corrected without heroic measures. It won't be as comfortable as what you drove, though.

The usual advice for improving the handling of pretty much any MINI involves adding a good set of shocks and a larger rear sway bar. (H-sport is a popular brand for the latter.) Supposedly the shocks on the MINIs aren't the best, though I have no complaints with the ones on my Cooper with the sport suspension option. And most FWD cars can benefit from a larger rear sway bar anyway, since almost everyone sets up the car to understeer at the limit.

Anyway, I hope that this gives you a little insight into the MINI world.

--DD