I've been having some problems with my 2014 MINI with 3 cyl and manual transmission. See the separate thread for my tales of woe.

I need to replace the transmission. MINI wants $6.7K.

Is replacing a transmission rocket science? Is that something a local reputable garage can do?

Should I only go to MINI?

An reason not to go with a used transmission?

 

Buy the parts and have a local shop do it. You can take it to most any mechanic, but there are actual businesses that deal with just transmissions (at least in my area). Almost 7k for a transmission and labor (especially a manual) seems really excessive. BTW, most transmission replacements aren't too difficult. Its definitely not an hour job, but not a 10 on a scale of difficulty.


Edit: Just noticed your question about the used transmission. if you can swing the purchase of a new transmission, go that route. If not, make sure that the used transmissions internals have been thoroughly been looked over.

 

I see manual transmissions for your car used on Ebay from $500-1000. This is not a $7k problem. This is about $2k if you have a indy shop do it.

 

Most MINI dealers do not repair assemblies. They replace them.

An independent MINI repair shop, would be more apt to repair.