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For the low end of your range you get good body or good mechanicals, not both. More likely, you'll get average body and mech.
I bought Camilla the blue roundy with a 1275 metro motor, extractors and K&N, vented discs, 12x5" wheels and dry suspension for $3,500. She needed 2 new tyres, a carby kit, a thorough dizzy clean & de-gunk and valve stem seals are on the way out. One CV needs replacing too. So, the mechanicals are relatively good but she had some dodgy interior bits and her body is really quite rough. No rust but it has been there and repaired. I suspect there is a bit of bog in them thar panels. Purchase, roadworthy, repairs, rego and insurance pushed the total spend to just below $5,000.
I reckon I got a good deal because the mechanicals are worth the $3,500 if bought from a mini supplier. If I was to sell her there is no way I'd accept less than $5,000 because I couldn't replace her for that and I've replaced a lot of the interior.
There are a few cars for sale at the moment where the owner wants top dollar. The two I'm thinking of have good looking paint which suggests recent re-sprays but they both have some rust coming through (A panels or rear seam). IMO if rust is coming through so early after a re-spray, then the car wasn't prepared right before the respray and it will most likely be a sea of rust spots in the near future. Therefore, the new paint isn't a plus for me it is more like a minus, something is hidden behind it. I'd prefer a car with older paint and no rust.
That said, I'm happy if mini values are increasing. It means people will look after them and the support busineses will stay in business.
M
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