Welcome, I'm just over the boarder in Derbyshire - but spend alot of my time in cheshire - Cheadle Hulme, Wilmslow etc.
Have fun with it, I just passed my test on Friday and its a great feeling! I bought a 2 and 1/2 year old 1.2 S for my self - and love it. But need some more power, 1.4 is a good choice.
One thing though, reliability isn't great. My car has left me stranded twice - nothing major but a pain - exhaust management something or other and a coil pack - on the day I passed my test!!!
But great first car, looks much better than the rest of its rivals imo, few mates are a bit jealous, but then again there are kids with Cooper S's around here so its not too bad.
Have fun, and play safe.
Great colour, wish I had got black or grey for mine - ended up with silver.
But I still can't believe you got the insurance so cheap, I'm paying £1950 fully comp!
I nearly went for a black 1.2 SX with 17" alloys which was on special offer at £6495 brand new and a few goodies - the wheels retailed at £900, I'm kicking myself now.