this may be a bit off topic, but why do people go for the cvt over just an automatic? I have nothing against them, I just don't know enough about them to see the appeal.

Hope that replacement tranny solves it! I'm sure it will all be worth it when its motoring like new!

 

Because all automatic 1st Generation MINI Coopers (not the S models, just the Coopers) only came with a CVT.

So the options for automatic-driving people buying a 1st Gen MINI were:

1. Learn to drive a stick and buy that
2. Wait for 2005 models and buy an MCSa instead (MCSa only became available in 2005)
3. Buy the CVT model Cooper

Personally I think most would have been better off with option 1.

 

cvt's are smoother and better fuel economy (higher effiency) in general...
until they break down, ofcourse...

 

^ +1

I think we'd see a lot more CVT-equipped cars on the road, except that they're not well-suited for high-horsepower/high torque applications. It's only been in the last ten years or so that they've worked well in cars with more than ~100hp, although they're found in several 250+ horsepower cars now.

 

My daughter has a CVT in her Cooper--has to have an automatic because she drives with hand-controls. She's been told to "dump" the car because of the CVT--the story she has heard (me too) is that they are doomed to an early and expensive failure.

True?

 

I would say that it is a high probability of a $5000 or greater failure before 100,000 miles.

I'd probably trade it before it failed. The new coopers have a traditional automatic, btw.

 

You got the $2200 back you spent for the worthless repairs..right?

 

No. I've always been under the impression that this sort of thing is a proceed at your own risk sort of deal. Am I wrong?

Also, people keep suggesting to me to just have a manual transmission put in. Is this feasible?

 

Well, after what seems like an eternity, my car is finally in the shop, getting the transmission swapped out. Supposedly I will get the car back Tuesday or Wednesday. I'll be sure to let you guys now how things turn out. I want to drive my car so bad I can't stand it!!

 

So your car has been out since late last summer? That sucks.

 

Yeah, and yeah, it does. Every time I see a Cooper, my heart just aches, ugh!

 

---UPDATE---

I just ordered a rebuilt CVT transmission with a two year unlimited mileage warranty... and I am so excited! I should be back in my MINI by the end of the coming week!! I can't wait to motor once again!!!! I'm going to wash it and strip it and claybar it and polish it and wax it and fix all the little things that need fixed, do all the little mods I've wanted to do, drive it everywhere I've ever wanted to go, join the local MINI club, and I just CAN'T WAIT!!!