The good lady has a 53 plate Cooper S in blue with the bonnett stripes, white roof and the obligatory 4 spots lights.
She's starting to look a bit frayed around the edges now, the mini, not the wife
Question is peeps, should I get rid and get something newer?
Or should I have it restored to it former glory.
Do we think it may be a collectable one day ?
I've had several minis over the past 40 years, and regreted getting rid of most of them !!
Any suggestions ?

Have you not answered your own question...

"...regretted getting rid of all of most of them"....over a 40 year period?

I'd say you'll regret it. If it's mechnically sound and just needs some TLC I'd be giving it the TLC and a few quid to restore it's former glory. If the age concerns you bang a cheap and cheerful 'private' reg on it and Robert is your.....you get the picture  Is this where I put the car details and a bit about myself ?........

I know I was stating the obvious , but as they say in these here parts " I'd never 'ang mesen "
You know what it's like when you've been perusing Autotrader

It makes more sense to get it sorted

If you are thinking of a newer Cooper S you should, in my opinion avoid the R56 made from Autumn 2006 because they had a lot of problems with timing chains. I know I had to have the timing chain replaced twice which should not have happened at less than 50,000 miles. They did change the engine in the later ones and the F56 from April 2014 is better.

Maybe keeping your existing one is good advice unless you want to go much newer.

I regularly have the same thought - we have a 55 plate Cooper S Convertible - I think I'll keep it for a while longer

Ours just needs a good tidy up, the hatchback is rusting and needs replacing, a common fault I believe.
Otherwise it's mainly cosmetic bits and bobs.
I'm talking myself into keeping it

Keep it they are always fun to get in and go for a blast personally i prefer the r53 shape as it was still smallish and is tiny compared to the new "mini" L322 2008 vogue
R53 Cooper S Works tuned beyond the works SOLD
R33 Nissan Skyline in rebuild 400bhp atw

I'm in the same boat with Mrs S's 56 plate JCW. I love the car and so does Mrs S. Been reliable, had a few issues (timing chains, oxygen sensors) but all fixed under warranty and dealer support (Cooper Tonbridge) is first class. Thing is lots of niggling things going now. But none will cost the earth to fix and the car only has 56,000 miles on it. To replace it with something similar but newer will be near £20K and I can keep the current car going for years for that kind of cash. But..... I keep looking on A/T and on Mini used to see what's there......

I used to be very into my MINI's and even came across my last R53, by chance, just a few weeks ago. Bought new (it was the last R53 registered in the UK) and absolutely loved it

There is no way that I would part one of those to replace it with a later version (Cam chains on the "Prince" engine have already been mentioned) and the car became less "hardcore"

While they may never go up in value now, they will certainly be a cult car in years to come and there is so much that can be done to improve and develop them

http://www.gtt.uk.com

Wise words chaps
I think we'll stick with what we've got
Cheers

Stick with it. My wife had a 54 plate Cooper S that she loved, but got rid because of children.

I have a 2012 JCW GP which is an absolute riot. Great little cars.

cheers Alex

2018 Skoda Kodiaq vRS
2009 Caterham Supersport Race car
2007 M5 Touring
2005 Range Rover Vogue SE Supercharged
2004 SL55 AMG

Just bought her a new Vauxhall Adam.
Nice little car, SWMBO needs her motor for her job.
But !!! Just couldn't get rid of Mini, so it will go into hibernation until I can get it sorted

I work for Vauxhall, quite like the Adam. The Adam S is good fun. Alex

2018 Skoda Kodiaq vRS
2009 Caterham Supersport Race car
2007 M5 Touring
2005 Range Rover Vogue SE Supercharged
2004 SL55 AMG

This one's called Energised, quite trendy , a laydees motor methinks.
Good lady likes it, and if she's happy .........

Yes they are quite nice, bit different but a nice drive. Alex

2018 Skoda Kodiaq vRS
2009 Caterham Supersport Race car
2007 M5 Touring
2005 Range Rover Vogue SE Supercharged
2004 SL55 AMG