Thinking about a Mini Cooper

[Gavstar]

Hi guys
I'm thinking about getting a Mini Cooper to replace my old Golf. The missus will soon be passing her driving licence (hopefully), so I'm thinking this is a good compromise with the Mini One that would probably best suit her, and the Cooper S I would of course rather have. Insurance is a lot less than the S too.
Expecting to spend about £7k, but don't really know what to look for. Have heard of Chilli and Pepper packs, and know to go for one with one of those, but is there anything else worth waiting for? What about running costs, service intervals, and mechanically weak areas/unexpected costs to be aware of.
How are they on motorways and long journeys? I will of course test drive some, and I have sat in one, but I'm 6'3" so will this be a problem on long trips?
Sorry for so many questions, but I really know very little about these cars!
Cheers

[Gavstar]

Thanks guys some useful info here. Was talking to a Cooper S owner at a wedding this weekend and he was telling me how tiny the boot is. I didn't look at his but its worried me now that its not going to be suitable. We don't need heaps of space but we want to be able to take us plus at least one other with luggage to the airport etc from time to time. I would hate for this to be a show stopper as I can't think of any other alternatives. A Fiesta, Corsa, Micra etc just doesn't cut it!

[Gavstar]

Anyone got a pic of the boot they fancy posting? :-)