Do it. There is no other first car that you could buy that will give you the satisfaction of the mini. There perfect 1st cars, aslong as you treat them right, such as a 998 cty or something, my friend picked one up, 1992(I think) J reg city for 300 quid. it had 18000 genuine miles on the clock and was in perfect condition. it costs him pennies to insure, in his own name, last time i spoke to him he was paying 750 quid in his first year of driving, fully comp. Another thing with the mini is, it becomes a friend. As strange as it sounds, there so much fun and so good on fuel if driven properly. ideal for a learner/early driver. As the years go on too, you'll eventually start to mod it and the fun you have is unbelievable. There preety nippy too, my friends 998 is a good match for your 1.2 corsa's ect. Get one. You won't regret it