Just returned from a 3,000 mile trip after picking up my new 08 Convertible with CVT Transmission:
1) Car hydroplaned with any kind of heavy rain fall. I thought it was just the new tires but after 2,500 miles it persisted. I asked the Mini dealer in Richmond VA and he said when I replaced the tires it would probable stop.?
2) Speed error is terrible. I had to do 75-76 to do an actual 70. Also told by same dealer it was acceptible (not in my book)
3) CVT transmission left me hi and dry on a number of occasions where I needed acceleration. Was real bad in Atlanta during rush hour. Felt like it was pushing an anchor at low speeds.

Needless to say I am very disappointed in my purchase of what I thought would be a premium vehicle. I sold a Honda Civic to get this and am wondering if I messed up.

Pensacola, FL

 

The CVT might have been an unwise choice.
Different tires could make all the difference in wet driving.
The dealer is being a butt-head about the speed difference.

Welcome to NAM!

 

Hi! Sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. You must be crushed. We just moved from the Richmond, VA, area. It was awful there, dealerships were the worst for giving people the run-around. Maybe a dealer in a different area could be more helpful, especially if the speed difference problem is covered under the warranty.I hope you're able to get the issues resolved so you can enjoy your new Mini.Monica

 

The CVT takes some getting used to. It has 3 different modes of operation. You can use the search button for a lot of information on them, actually more than you may want to hear about. If accelerating into traffic is the issue, pushing the shifter over into sport mode is faster. You can then switch back to D once you get up to speed. To take off, I push the accelerator down further, let it wind up, and let off some; it's like one motion. I just sold a Honda and didn't realize how dull driving it was until I got the MINI; I don't think you made a mistake at all. Welcome to NAM!