does anyone have any input for the southern new England area? The prices I'm looking at for an mcs are well above all of these. Thanks!

 

While I stand by my first post that this is too high for the car, I would take everyone's input on what they paid with a grain of salt. There's always going to be prices all over the map . . . but the people who post to show how little they paid (including myself in other threads) tend to be the ones who think they got a great deal. In other words for everyone posting they got an MCS for $14-16k, there's probably another quietly on the sidelines who paid $19-21k -- nobody wants to brag that they paid more than everyone else.
I agree that edmunds TMV tends to be pretty accurate . . . I would not use Kelly as a reference (except like someone said -- when selling).

 

Those of us that have been around in the community for years (nearly 3 years in my case) have seen how many CVT's have failed, hence the warning. I don't log into a car forum and dog other people for their transmission choice because it makes me feel good about myself.

The CVT's have MAJOR issues, numerous dealers have admitted that the CVT is a flawed design (Which has a lot to do with the fact that MINI says the fluid is lifetime, which it isn't).

Over the years you learn what does and doesn't work. I personally wouldn't buy an 02-04 MINI, TONS of people own them, and haven't had any issues with spontaneous fires, failed PS Fans, overheating, etc, but I'm not interested in dealing with any of that.

Do what you feel comfortable with. The people that posted are just offering their opinions.

 

Dont DO it!! Way to much. I only paid $15,900 for my 2004 MC40 with 21,400 miles.

 

Not sure if this is a good deal either . . . but just as a point of reference:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...04#post2093704

 

Thanks Eager!

 

No problem -- any quest for a JB is a worthwhile one

They're a PIA to keep clean, but no other color looks as good after a fresh wax.

 

get whatever you want. if you can swing a new MINI go for it. i you want a 2003 jet black CVT go for it and don't look back. my 03 R50 is loaded and i paid around 16k for it with 30k miles. CVT too. runs like a baby rocket . but, i maintain it like a crazy fool too.

my only advice if you get it is to immediately get the inspection 1 service done (or redone). then, get an extended warranty to cover the tranny or get the dealer to throw it into the deal. and use common sense and change the tranny fluid every 12 months. for every 1 bad cvt experience there are 2 positives. but, only the bad experiences get posted or talked about. and i bet very few of the negatives ever serviced the fluid. the theory of lifetime tranny fluid is wacko IMO and wouldn't chance it EVEN if the CVT had a 0% failure rate. spend a few extra $ a year and get the fluid replaced. the $1500 for the extended warranty will more than pay the cost of the almost "for sure" repair items: PS pump, fans, window motors and locks. not to mention the cost if the tranny goes.