I'm on my 4th Mini since 2003, current 2017 Countryman Cooper S with the 8 speed auto/paddles has been faultless so far and still a great package, giving decent performance/handling/comfort and space. I've done 33k miles and it's still on the original rear tyres, fronts lasted about 22k. Long-term mpg has been 36-39 mpg on V-power, and I can tell within a few days if it has 95 octane in as pick up is noticeably sluggish.
Only critism is the inability to fit a tow bar to Countryman Cooper S / JCW or All4 models due to exhaust positions, although a couple of after-market makers appear to list lightweight bars that are supposed to fit, I'm not sure if other models are affected? But that's nit-picking.
Enjoy :driving: