Here's the deal: I am an IT field tech and I drive about 600 - 1000 miles a week. I get paid 50.5 cents per mile. I need to get a car that is fairly good on gas and is a blast to drive. Needs to be comfortable and reliable, you get the gist. I have driven a few Cooper S' and they are a blast. Not entirely sold on them for long distnace highway slogs with interior noise and ride quality. Besides Mini's I have been looking at some BMW's, mainly 3 series. I have driven these as well and am always impressed. With all of this said, take a gander at the following cars and let me know your thoughts please. I greatly appreciate any and all help.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/car/634768099.html
seems like a great price, owner seems straigh forward, comes with new tires and a set of snow tires and wheels (Nokians to boot) Only hangup is it does not have the multi function steering wheel, which would make me miss out on cruise control. I could do without it, but it sure would be nice

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/car/654521027.html
another very nice S, price a little high to me though, hav yet to cntact seller

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/car/657719436.html
330i with fun Dinan mods. Looks clean and the subtle mods do make a difference. Not sure on the higher mileage being as though I would be over 100k in no time.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/car/660043980.html
Lastly an E36 M3. I see guys with tons of miles on these, so they must be somewhat reliable. I know they give a raw driving experience, not sure if they are as fast as a Cooper S or a Dinan'ed 330i.

e36's m3 are not great on gas, and watch out for money shifting

not sure on 330's, but I would assume no more than 20mpg average

my mini does bother me on midwest interstates with the cracks in the road, but so does my wifes X5 for that matter, there's no cure for bad roads

my dad averages about 26 mpg in his 330, but he drives it very lightly. My business partner who drives on the quicker side averages about 21.5 in his 330. so you'd be in that range with a 330.

get a non - S Mini. You get a spare tire, and better ride that goes with no run-flats. The non-sport seats are more comfortable on long drives, too.

plus better mileage.

+1 on the non-S Cooper. They are dog slow, but for long highway commuting, who cares. Alternatively, R56 MINI. Great highway mileage, slightly more pliable ride. Just bought one for the missus's new commute (70mi round trip). Average 38+ on the fwy at 70mph or so.

I agree NCMINIGUY, standard Cooper or an old Infiniti G20 for under 8K.