That's a lot of money to replace a transmission
I'm not too worried since I have the Getrag transmission.

 

Your tranny quote seems way too high. I believe a new tranny can be had for under $5000 and less for a low mileage one off a salvage car. I don't think it's going to take more than 10 hours to install it--and even at the dealership $150/hr rate--that's $1500--so $6500 on the high side. I wouldn't recommend anyone using the dealer for a high mileage MINI. Find a independent mechanic that works on MINI's or move closer to one, lol. I know you're in AZ but Danny at Minicorsa here in California is awesome. He's a lot more affordable than the dealership and does way better work.

I'm replying to you because I'm in a similar situation. I drive 100 miles a day, 6 days a week. I posted earlier in this thread back in March with around 75,000 miles. I'm now at 95,000 miles on my 2005 MCS and getting ready for a clutch job and possibly new axles which will set me back about $2000 including labor.

Course I just did $2000 in mods that included an RMW header and cam and some other mods. Shortly after that my harmonic balancer ripped itself apart and had to be replaced. My car is driven hard but has been tuned appropriately. I've got new brakes (Wilwood), new suspension (Cross Coilovers), new pulley (Helix 17% over the M7 16% I bought my used MINI with), new exhaust (Invidia), new header (RMW Shorty), new shifter (Craven short shift kit), new bypass valve (Detroit tuned)...my point is that I've replaced a lot of stock parts with better aftermarket ones and while the car is going strong, I anticipate somewhere in the next 3 months based on the miles I'm doing I will need to replace my supercharger (I already have a spare), a clutch job (will happen probably in about a month), then after that...who knows what will need to be replaced, lol. I just had new MAP sensors installed yesterday that solves an annoying problem I had with engine misfires.

So owning a MINI that you intend to put high mileage on it, won't last like a Japanese car--I had a 10 year old Acura Integra with 200,000 miles on it, and very few things had to be replaced during that time. Those cars are built like tanks, but they aren't as much to drive or to mod, and best of all, I love getting thumbs up from non MINI owners--had one yesterday from a WRX guy on the side of the road, lol.

Course, I'm going broke modding and supporting my car though..I hope the large expenses slow down soon.
Richard

 

The dealer is the one I got the quote from. I think I baffled him because nobody with an 2008 would probable need a transmission. He said the transmission would cost $7,200 and total with labor was $9,500. I think I'm going to go over to the Saturday car show here in scottsdale and checkout with the other mini owners before I make a decision. My car is suppose to arrive Friday, but unless I can get more info or assurance, not sure I wish to proceed. Would love to drive but high parts cost is definitely a downside....

 

Sorry I was confused. This thread is for 1st gen high mileage owners--I thought you were looking to buy a used 1st gen, not a new 2nd gen MINI. I have no idea about those parts costs...but dealerships markup parts quite a bit--I've seen a fair number of totalled R56's here on NAM, finding a good condition tranny shouldn't be impossible should that happen...but I don't think you'll need to replace the tranny anytime soon. I've read about 1st gen owners with over 200,000 miles on their original trannies and the reliability of the 2nd gens will probably be similar. The tranny issues that were common in the first gens affected the 02-04 Coopers with the Midlands tranny's where 40,000 miles was common between replacements.

Richard

 

thanks guys for all the replys - still wanting but concerned.... hopefully saturday night at the car show will calm my fears - will talk with saleperson, but not sure if that is a trustworthy area - they're motivated by sales - will also check out extended warranty but I'm sure that's only going up to 100K. I doubt I would have a problem before that....

 

Also remember your other options for repair on higher mileage cars - independent shops or self-repair using used parts. You'll find a decent used MCS trans for far less than $7200! You have to adopt the mindeset of a high-mileage car owner - do what's necessary, maintain the hell out of it, but don't spend for a dealer to do it unless you have to!

 

The mileage is not that high, and it is certainly not a disposable car, I think that a MINI is good for 300K or more with the right maintenance!.... of course the regular consumables will have to be replaced such as clutch, brakes, suspension components, belts e.tc....if you are able to do some of the work yourself you will find it is a lot cheaper to keep than to replace.....considering the fun factor will not diminish.....IMHO

 

Octain Guy,
My harmonic balancer ripped itself apart yesterday and took out the belt and rt side drive axle. Independent Mechanic is the lowest price I've found and that's $968.59. total. I've got 63K on the 2005 MCS. They are expensive even without the upgrades/mods.

 

I put 158k on my '05 R53 in under two years with no mechanical problems. Last time I spoke with the owner it had 200k with just a supercharger replacement.