It's not exactly a beater, but I drive a 1995 BMW 318ti Sport, which has 220,000 kms (137,000 miles).
This is what lead me here. I was yearning for the new BMW Compact, but this car will not reach our shores. The Mini is clearly the next logical choice in a (affordable) fun set of wheels. Frankly, the more I see, the better I think I will enjoy the Mini anyhow.
As for the ti--it will be relegated to full-time track car. The car has undergone many track-specific modifications over the last 6.5 years (suspension, brakes, roll cage, etc.) and is currently undergoing a drivetrain transplant (first generation E30 M3 engine, transmission, rear-end).
The BMW handles better than anything you could imagine, but is a bit punishing to use everyday, nor is it really that practical considering much of the interior is now bare metal, so the Cooper S will become my daily driver and autocross/solo-II car and the BMW will become my track/solo-I car.
Maybe I might treat myself once or twice and try the Cooper S on the track too
Shawn