07 Base convertible with about 114k miles. Price is in my budget range, it has CVT tranny. I know the earlier ones had issues. Does anyone have anything to share regarding this tranny (other than lack luster performance) in 2007's?

 

I’m pretty sure they used the same failure-prone CVT from ‘02 to ‘08.

 

Keep looking.

 

Thanks, it sold already any way. Next at bat is an 06 S with the 6 speed manual, 120k miles and roof issues. The dealer says that the motor operates, but the top doesnt open evenly. Track issue? Anyway, the search goes on. I think i am comitting to the Manual tranny regardless, they are way more fun to drive.

 

Wish me luck. Hoping to look at a 2008 Mini Cooper S convertible with about 110k miles. 6 speed manual and supercharger. (I thought they went to turbos by 2008?) Anyway price point is good and the vehicle has nav system, premium package, cold weather package too. (Even has the make me go faster bonnet stripes! LOL) Have any of you had adverse issues with? I know it's an older car, and therefore something will need to be done eventually. Thanks as usual for any input you good folks can offer.
Joe.

 

Good luck!

On the turbo vs supercharged, the supercharged hardtop/hatch was 2002-2006 and supercharged cabrio 2005-2008 model years. The overlap with the turbo during 2007-2008 due to the continued use of the 1st gen chassis, engine (S and non S), etc. with the cabrio vs the 2nd gen hardtop can sometimes cause issues when looking for parts from some vendors when they don’t account for the hardtop vs cabrio difference.

 

Thank you much. I hate when car makers do that. I remember i had an old AMC Jeep. ford motor craft ignition, gm turbo tranny. Who knows what engine. Try finding parts for that! LOL The more i think about it the more i am going newer.

 

Cant go much newer than 08 on a 1st gen convertible. After that you are into the Turbocharged engines. Received wisdom is the N14 turbo engine in the earlier 2nd gen cars until the changed it is a bit of a ticking time bomb best avoided if you can get a later still one. I have an 05 R52(justa) and 10 R57(S), and there are pros and cons to either, but overall I think I prefer the older one for more direct handling and response. As with all things mini much is dependent on the maintenance being done right. They are all a blast to drive, so as long as you have the manual transmission and pay attention to the cars history, and dont expect it to have flawless Honda/Toyota reliability, then you cant go to far wrong, especially if you dont mind working on your own car now and then rather than paying for more specialized mechanical work.

Parts for the 06-08 convertible engines are not really an issue, its the same stuff as for the end of line hartops and earlier convertibles. If in doubt get the correct part number from realOEM or the like.

 

STILL hunting. LOL. Pros/cons supercharger vs turbocharger?

 

The whine of the SC is intoxicating. Plus, the W11 engine is dang near bullet proof.

 

That is good to know.

 

PS: Reason #3 for running up the canvas. My co-pilot/navigator is whining about being too hot or cold and I can hear the SC.