Is this price ok for an Automatic mini cooper s R53, 4500£ ?

[kazino]

Hi Chaps,
Looking for an r53 cooper s for my wife. It must be auto (and she doesn't like : silver, red, green. She likes purple, black, )

The market for automatics seems to be significantly higher than manuals, would this be a good price for one for her? It has damaged front bumper (needs respray and sanding/filler), laquer around fuel filler cap has peeled off, rust on area of paint above the numberplate on tailgate area.
The paint is very tired generally, needs a detail badly, normally I wouldn't mind (I used to be into detailing but don't have time anymore or learnt that it's better not to care so much but this needs a bit to get it up to scratch compared to simlar cars paintwork at least)
Asking 4500£
Is this a good deal, will I be able to sell it for 4k ish in a years time when she learnt how to drive and I'm planning to get her a 2014+ mini cooper s works

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-AUTOMATIC-MINI-COO...

Edited by kazino on Friday 16th October 13:12

[kazino]

I see, only planning to run it for about a year. I would like to use it from time to time too so thought would stretch to the S.
Price wise, do you think it's fair price or very overpriced?

Will hopefully upgrade her to a 2014 mini next year once she's got used to driving.

[kazino]

Nice finds, but colour is not appealing.
From what I read I heard it is the r56 engines are very problematic?

[kazino]

twokcc said:

Bought r56 cooper auto in 2009 late 2006 reg. Sold locally still going strong no problems with either engine or gearbox.

Its mainly the cooper s before mid 2010 that have the timing chain problems

I like the red leather one good spec with pano roof, upgraded alloys. Makes r53 that original ppster was thinking oabout seem overpriced . The r56 is far more civilized car than the r53 (and more economical) but at end of day is posters wife decision

I see, so post mid 2010 will be most trouble free, that's pushing the budget much higher than the initial 2k I had budgetet for a r50 auto.
Will eventually get her a 2014+ mini once she's comfortable with the driving, she doesn't want it now as wants something that's she can bash about and not feel bad about it if it gets damaged, so if I got her a 2011 mini it's going to defeat the purpose of her wanting a cheap car to learn on

[kazino]

Thanks chaps, will leave it alone and keep searching. Think will up the budget and try and get something newer without fear of getting the Mrs something problematic as she just wants something reliable and easy to drive