Well, I was trying to think of some old witty and helpful saying about girlfriends and cars, but it's not coming to me. :-( Sorry to hear that.

If new girlfriend magnetism is part of the decision matrix, I think I'd have to give the edge to the Cooper. Of course, I may just be unfairly projecting my sex appeal formula on the vast majority of eligble women out there (and I can't say I've ever gotten top marks for understanding women), but I think the Cooper will have better "unique" factor. That may be more true on this side of the pond as I'm guessing that the Minis will never be as common here.

My friend is trying to convince his wife how easy it would be to get 2 child car seats in the back. By the time he succeeds in convincing, they won't need the car seats!

Best of luck.