I am (sort of) leaning toward new but I found an '04 that looks interesting. It has an auto trans (DW requirement) and I would like feedback from owners with this type of trans (CVT?). How do they hold up? I would expect they perform OK. I'm used to driving a truck so anything will feel different. I've read where this trans can cost near $8K to fix. I also noticed one of the rack boots was pulled from the rack. The clamp was still on it and the boot's not ripped. Is this another MINI thing?

I want to check what I can before making a commitment.

Otherwise the car is what I want and more! No rust under the doors or hatch. No apparent water leaks. Excellent tires. I have yet to drive it but I can do that some time next week. If this deal looks imminent then I will look into running the VIN to get the build list.

Thanks for any input.

SteveB

 

Avoid the CVT.

Go for a brand-new MINI.

Not much difference in price...you'd be the first owner...AND interest rates for new car loans are MUCH lower than for used car loans.

 

How about an S version if you want an auto? No CVT but a nice Aisin sourced 6 speed auto proven to be very reliable.

 

shop around and interest isnt going to be a big deal, but yeah a new one is always nice but you have to deal with the fact that you lose a few grand your first drive, FYI i got a quote for a new or used for 5.35. not bad huh!?

 

I am seriously considering this 04 because it has the "stuff" I want. I am looking into extended warranty coverage from AAA. I could get a stripped down new one but then I would not be happy, trying to add the stuff I didn't get. From what I have gathered so far the CVT has quirks but the failure rate, while annoying isn't a show stopper. I can get 5.65 financing (or 3.9 for new). If I don't like the way it drives (or if this one does not work out) then I will be at the dealer by Saturday placing an order.
SteveB

 

I purchased a lightly used '05 Cooper last year with a CVT. I also purchased an extended warranty because of the transmission stories. I almost never buy extended warranties, but in this case the extended warranty will let you sleep better. The CVT is very unique and fun to drive. I rarely drive my pickup anymore.... too boring.

 

I did it!
I drove the 04 MINI with the CVT and it ran great, was fun and another MINI driver waved! This is in Mass so some MINI owners wave.
This car is fully loaded CR/CR. The original window sticker showed it was nearly $24K new. I too, will be getting the extended warranty "just in case". I'm going to throw a quick post in 1st gear seeing as this is my 1st MINI. I was leaning toward new but this is going to be much more affordable considering the uncertain economy.
SteveB

 

I have a 2004 MC with CVT I bought in November 2007 with 37.5K on it. Like you, it had everything I wanted, leather heated seats, Sirius/CD/FM radio, Moon roof, Gold/Black/Gray color, and I got it for $16K. The CVT can be disconcerting, but the folks you hear from on this site are the ones that had problems. No one talks about how great theirs is. Most people don't know that the same CVT is used in a lot of other cars too.

Before you jump into an extended warranty do your homework. Some of them don't cover the entire cost for replacement of the trans, and some only cover it up to a certain cost threshold. I went with WarrantyDirect.com and got a bumper to bumper 4/year 100K warranty for $1500. I specifically asked them about total replacement of the CVT trans and they said it was covered in full. They also said that the failure rate is not as high as everyone thinks. They didn't give me any statistics, but I don't know how they could afford to cover the CVT if the failure rate was high. They just wouldn't do it. Insurance companies are out to make money, and to do this they play the "averages" game. They always win.

www.warrantydirect.com. Be sure you ask for a COMPLETE contract and read the specifics from all the extended warranty companies before you sign. I will tell you that BMW's warranty isn't even worth looking at.

 

Thanks for the info Candog. I checked out warrantydirect and they look very competitive. I think that it will be between the AAA coverage and WD. I need to check the details with AAA.
I got the paperwork today [135 mile round trip to the dealer] so that I can get a temporary tag to get the state required VIN check done. Will probably pick up my MINI on Saturday!!!
SteveB

 

Talking with a tech down at MINI of Charleston, and he confirms they do not replace CVTs any more than the manual trannys.


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