Yes Minis do have problems but hell's teeth our Mini hasn't got the stupid bloody Pektron BCU to deal with unlike my TF which is driving me nuts .you did the right thing mini's are prone to many problems I know I have owned six of them as well as the mini cooper, I would stick to my little mgtf and be happy knowing you can get it sorted out no matter what,
I think you might be a bit adrift there Graham, MK1 fs have a Lucas system, tfs have Pektron.