Sell it or Fix it?
 

So my 2005 Mini Cooper (non-S) with only 70K miles on it needs a new 5-speed transmission (and a new clutch & flywheel).

I'm probably looking at $4,000 to have it fixed (I don't have a garage available so I cant really do it myself).

Should I sell it as is or get it fixed (or do something else)? I love the car but putting $4k into a car worth $5k on a good day doesn't seem to make much sense.

Thoughts?

I just fixed my 2003 for a lot less than that. I ordered a rebuilt transmission for John Tee at Minigearboxes in the UK. $1200.00 shipped to your door and it comes with the clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing etc... Mine was a Midlands box, yours is probably a Getrag, maybe a bit cheaper. Then all you have is labor + fly wheel. You should be a good bit under $2000.00; of course I'm not sure what labor rates are out there.

Many thanks mcb66. I reached out to John Tee to get a quote. Yes, I have a getrag 5-speed. For labor I was quoted $1,500 (in San Francisco) but I bet I can find a shop that is a lot less expensive outside of the City. Was your old transmission worth anything (was there a core charge)?

I've had to deal with this over the past 4 years.
I told myself when the annual maintenance cost over $2,000 (more than an average car payment) I would sell.

I put $3,000 in from '15-'16, and just sold for $3,300.

My wallet wishes I had sold earlier.

Call Bay Bridge Motors in Oakland or MINI Werks in San Carlos for estimates. They are local MINI specialists so at least they will be familiar with the car if they're in your price range.

Not core charge. Should only be a 3 to 5 hour job for a knowledgeable shop. Labor rates are around $100 per hour around here.