Honda, BMW, or Mini Cooper?

[KathyKat]

I am looking for a new reliable car (no more than $30,000) that gets good gas mileage.

I've narrowed my choices down to a Honda Civic, BMW 1 series, or Mini Cooper.

I had a Honda Civic and it was very good car. Got great gas mileage and lasted me many years.

I've never owned a BMW or Mini Cooper, but I've heard good things about each one.

Should I go with a new Honda Civic, even though I've had one already?

Or should I try something new like a BMW 1 series or Mini Cooper?

How many people can sit in the back of a BMW 1 and Mini Cooper? Do they get good gas mileage and are they reliable?

Would you choose a Honda, BMW, or Mini Cooper?

Thanks for your help

[mojo1969]

Honda run good and as long as maintenance is kept up ie. regular oil changes and thins of this matter. they are very reliable, great on gas. these cars are notorious for lasting 250 to 300,000 miles if maintained. We currently own three Honda's 1993 prelude, 1995 accord, 1991 civic DX.

[Katie]

Well, I'm not sure I would really even put a Honda Civic in the same category as a 1-series or even a Mini Cooper. I think the 1-series would be the most fun (and possibly expensive) to own, but the Civic would be the most intelligent decision financially. Unless, you've already owned the new designed Civic then it would be quite step up from your previous generation Civic.