Demand is high so residuals are rock solid and BMW offers a fantastic servicing package that provides five years maintenance for just £100. Petrol and insurance are reasonable too. Going over-board on the options, not specifying the TLC package or outright neglect are the only ways you’ll lose much money on one. The TLC pack was extended to cover an eight year period in 2004 for £450.

Older cars can also be upgraded.

Cooper S is quite a polluting model. With an average of 209 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are a touch high for a sports hatchback. It’s worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is not very frugal, averaging 32 mpg.

Built to BMW standards, so should be very good, but there were quite a few recalls with early ones, and it is not unheard of to encounter the occasional problem.