Buying a mini automatic

[fizio]

Hi, I am looking to buy a used mini for a new driver and was thinking about a mini one or Cooper from around 2012-14 that would be available for 5-6k. Having 'had a chat with chatGPT' I was advised that the older mini auto gearboxes were not great and it was best to go with a 2018 spec as that was 7 speed bmw. Unfortunately these are more like 10k+ so not within budget. Any advice on auto mini's as thats the one essential feature (plus parking sensors).
Appreciate any feedback

Edited by fizio on Wednesday 11th March 18:00

[scrw.]

Run a MCS auto mapped to about 230bhp, it has currently lost 4th gear but I think the extra torque did for it. It is a decent box other than me breaking mine (I was chasing a v8 Mustang when it died)