in the market for a cooper s

[quackmandude]

hey guys my names frank. i live in texas and i currently own a 3000gt. im in the market for a cooper s because i love they way they look and i want a car that handles great and that pretty quick. i no i can get a quicker car for the price but i just love the cooper s. i need some information tho before i get to far into it.

mpg?

stock quarter miles times?

hsp to the wheels. i read at the crank is 160ish but i dunno to the wheels.

the best performance parts websites and best forums (other then af)

important thing i need to looks for when buying one? is ticking common? maybe bearing problems? just anything thats a common problem with minis if any at all?

the best way to upgrade a supercharged version (s model). i dont want a drag car just a fun car.

im a mechanic so labor wont be anything but are parts expensive?

thanks guys i no i have a lot of questions but honestly i have never worked on a mini so this i s new to me. and if anyone in central texas has any s models for sale im willing to look.