Classic Mini's

I'm starting to look at getting a classic Mini again. I was originally turned off to these cars because of the high prices they seem to go for. $8,000 for a real basic model seems unreasonably high to me. Many go for over $15,000 and even into the $20,000s! Seems crazy to me, especially since an MG Midget, which has the same engine and is just as "cute" can be had for $3,000-$5,000. But recently I have seen some in the $5,000-$6,000 level which is about right. When one comes up for sale at this price it is snatched up pretty fast. In the mean time I'm happy with my Midget.