Back in late 2005, when Apple had already announced the transition to Intel Macs, I purchased a PowerPC Mac mini. I did so because I knew it would take time for the software ecosystem to catch up to the new models. Also, there's a good chance that there are going to be issues with hardware based upon a new architecture.
The first Intel Mac mini was 32-bit only with a Core Duo and was quickly supplanted by more capable models. It was a 1.0 product. I ended up with one anyway, but regret bothering with it and not waiting until the later models were released.
I currently have a base model 2018 Mac mini and had originally bought it two years ago to be a "stopgap" until the ARM Macs (as they were rumored at the time) became available. I've since changed my stance on that. I've upgraded the systems memory to 32GB and purchased an external egpu. I've decided that I want this model to last me another two or three years, rather than replacing it with a version 1.0 or even 2.0 "Apple Silicon" Mac. It often takes Apple a few iterations to get their vision for a product just right, the software ecosystem will have caught up, and there may be new and interesting things done with the Mac that Apple didn't accomplish while using Intel CPUs.
Also, keep in mind that the rumors for the first Apple Silicon Macs are probably going to be laptops and perhaps a 24-inch iMac. There haven't been any rumors of a new Mac mini. That doesn't mean one won't come later this year or early next year, since the rumors have been spotty at best with future Macs, but it is notable that the Mac mini hasn't been mentioned.
Anyway, if you're like me and want to skip the early days of Apple Silicon and the transition, then the 2018 Mac mini is a great value and a capable machine.
