I think there’s a huge difference between getting the base model vs the sport model in terms of reliability, and oil consumption. My girlfriend had 2 base models and they’ve worked very well, and been infinitely more fun to drive than a honda accord, civic, or toyota corolla or camry.
Infiniti G35 2007 or newer (the model 2009+ Is the G37). It’s held up nicely for me. I bought my 2008 with 65k miles on it and 35k miles later, nothing but oil changes and a new set of tires. Seen them with 200k + miles running with no problems. Picked mine up 2.5 years ago for 16k. You could probably snag on for 10-12 now.
are you a freshman? in what city?
Also think of maintenance costs. DIY maintenance is quite easy on a Toyota. Not so for a Mini, I think. How easy or difficult is it to access an oil filter in the Mini? Also think of insurance costs.
If the OP decides the Mini Cooper is for him/her, then they should do their due diligence. However, the OP has already said sporty is out. His/her parents won’t allow it.
Being a big fan of the automobile and owning a few, including an older BMW, if the Mini’s break out of warranty, then the cost to repair is VERY expensive. And be sure to sell it well before the odometer hits the 100,000-mile mark, because they tend to fall apart quickly after that. Again, do a google search and you’ll find forum posts galore on all of it. There are plenty of model years to avoid.
If cost is not an issue or down time due to repair, then they’re very nice good looking sporty cars. But for the same money ($15,000-$20,000), in the German realm, I’d rather have a Porsche Boxster or Cayman for the same money, if cost and reliability aren’t barriers to ownership.
There’s a reason why the Honda’s and Toyota’s have some of the highest resale values in the industry. They’re quite popular and fun for the kids too. That’s my $0.02.
The experience I quoted is mine. It is not a debatable point. The Toyota was particularly disappointing -1 owner, 25000 miles when we bought it. Oh well, that’s how it goes sometimes. If I wanted another, I’d buy one, but honestly a little bit of me dies every time I see one, so that isn’t likely. Tastes do vary, however.
Will probably encourage DD to consider a Subaru Legacy, a Fusion, or possibly a Malibu (all used) for a first vehicle.
Something high volume that older people typically drive should be a little more theft resistant and likely cheaper to insure.
Had an intern whose boss told him that if he bought something interesting, he’d buy it for what it cost plus parts. Kid got a 20 year old V12 Jag. 10/10 for style.
@Jpgranier A g35 friend 
I have an 05 g35 that I bought with 54k for 12k a year and a half ago 
A few comments though:
- A base model cooper has barely over 100HP, it's not all that sporty. It's just a hatchback (At least the 06 & 07 my gf had).
- Boxter / Cayman are yucky looking cars (full disclosure I do not like porsches, they look like dogs squatting to do their business imo).
- LOL about the jag. My first car was a v6 1996 XJS. If you want to talk about unreliability OH MAN.
15-20k I’d love to get an E39 M5
@NoVADad99 That’s one place where the mini maintenance is a PITA. My gf’s oil changes cost 100+ whereas mine cost about 65-75.
Your experience is well your experience. But it’s debatable here because you seem to be implying to the OP and others that the Saab and Mini are cheap reliable transportation.
The preponderance of evidence says Toyotas and Hondas are amongst the highest rated cars, whether it’s Consumer Reports (I’m not home bound by any stretch), J.D. Power, etc. The Mini is average at best.
Saab is bankrupt. And doesn’t exist anymore, at least not in its original form. Enough said there. :))
An E39 M5 (2000-2003) BMW has been on my wish list for a long time. Many car enthusiasts desire this model. But $15,000-20,000 won’t get you a nice one. Unfortunately, I’m not buying any more BMW’s or Mini’s because they’re too darn expensive to repair. And they break often.
I’m just trying to say that for slightly higher maintenance costs than a toyota/honda you can have a car that’s quirky, fun to drive, handles well, and still gets good mileage (Mini). It’s too bad he can’t get a sports car, 15-20k is a good range for a used Honda S2000 :P. I don’t know anything about saab maintenance except mechanics can charge dealership maintenance prices because there’s no dealerships anymore lol.
15-20k could buy a lot of nice cars too.
1st gen Lexus IS300. Doesn’t look sporty, but the 3L 2JZ engine in it is a good one.
Infiniti G35 Sedan. The looks are a bit polarizing but if one likes it, there’s plenty of fun to be had in that car and it sounds great.
Why do you keep steering this thread back to sports cars when OP says he can’t get one?
Because OP seems to have forgotten about his thread
No doubt the Mini is very cool car. I just wouldn’t buy one for my D to use, or the OP who will be a freshman, since I think it would be in the shop too much and repairs are expensive. Using a coupon, an oil change for my Toyota at the dealership is $30-$40. My biggest repairs over 258,000 miles have been a starter and alternator, typical maintenance items for any car.
And the Honda S2000 would be another fantastic pick, if the OP was looking for a sports car. Good taste in cars! And if you find a good one, they appreciate in value, or hold their value if alot of miles are put on them. The S2000 values are heading up, so finding a nice one, just like the E39 M5, in the $15,000-$20,000 is getting harder and harder.
I will say, I’m not a fan of the Nissan/Infiniti brand.
I think the OP should just get a low mileage Honda Accord. Nice styling, cheap maintenance and they don’t stick out like a sore thumb at college. The Camry styling is really hit or miss. Or as I mentioned a few pages back, maybe a newer RAV4 or Mazda CX-5. The Mazda’s are getting great reviews.
I’d almost suggest a used Porsche Cayenne, but they’re very much like a BMW, good looking, but maintenance is not cheap. They’re $100,000 +/- cars new, but the older models are now around $20,000.
You really like porsches huh? If one is going the SUV route I highly recommend Infiniti FX35. My mother had an 04 and 09 (two different generations) and both were very reliable, fun to drive, give a nice throaty exhaust note, and handle pretty well for a SUV.
Yep, love me some Porsche. However, mostly of the air-cooled 911 (98 and older) generation. But I don’t recommend any of them for a college student.
I wouldn’t be opposed to an FX35 for the OP, though they seem kinda large-ish, but looks being subjective, I’m not a huge fan of their design.
I think the CX-5 is a great alternative with nice look, I think we can agree on that one! And you can get a used one with a manual gearbox 
FX35 would be smaller than a cayenne I think though!
You can get a 2015 or so Nissan Juke Nismo AWD in that price range, fun and peppy without looking it.
My oldest got a used Saturn, something to be said for plastic body panels parked outdoors around college students. Super easy maintenance, you can change spark plugs in 5 minutes.