I've been checking out new cars and of course the Mini Cooper caught my eye, but I have some questions.

1. How is the CVT Transmission?
I don't drive stick and would hate to learn on a new car, however I've been reading through the forum and anyone with a transmission problem is asked, "do you have a CVT?" Are there problems with them?

2. Has the back hatch problem been solved with the '03 models?

I'm really interested in one and since this would be my first NEW car I would hate to buy one with problems to start.
Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

 

>>2. Has the back hatch problem been solved with the '03 models?

I have a 2003 MCS and I haven't had a single problem with the back hatch. Not a rattle, a squeek, or a problem with it not latching.

 

>>>>2. Has the back hatch problem been solved with the '03 models?
>>
>>I have a 2003 MCS and I haven't had a single problem with the back hatch. Not >>a rattle, a squeek, or a problem with it not latching.

I also have an 03 MCS and my only issue with the hatch is that I have my comfort setting to pop the boot when I hold the unlock button for 5 seconds. Well, it only 1/2 way releases. It did this when I picked the car up, I mentioned it, so Desert MINI ordered a new catch. After they replaced the catch, it STILL does the same thing. I think I'm going to have them change the programming to lower the windows instead next time I'm at the dealership.

As to the CVT thing, I think that the reason people ask that 1st is that any issues with a CVT are going to be totally different than issues with a manual. As for their reliability, I've never owned one, but I know they have been used very successfully in Europe on smaller cars for a number of years now. They first became common on the small turbo-diesels that were flooding Europe a few years ago. Supposedly very robust and fuel efficient.

Hope that helps some.

 

I have a late production 02 and knock on wood have not had a problem except for the muddy coolant. :smile:

 

I am completely satisfied with my CVT aside from the occasional engine stumble that I am awaiting a fix for. I have an early July build 2002 though so that problem may have been corrected. I also find the steptronic to be very responsive and fun for highway driving.

I would imagine that the back hatch problem will be resolved, but I haven't heard of any Coopers having a faulty boot latch....(is it an S specific problem?). I haven't had any issues with mine. :smile:

Welcome to MCO!

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If you can afford it, the CVT looks to be pretty good.

Would not worry about a minor thing like a latch that BMW is sure to fix

Biggest questions should be which cool colors and options you want!

 

I am also wondering about the CVT transmission's strengths and weaknesses. The only thing negative I have seen (on this site) about the auto box was posted in this thread:

In very slow traffic, it tends to shudder a bit, mainly because the MINI wants to go-go-go! Also, when going from a standaing stop, there's always a split-second lag from when you push down the gas to when it starts to go.

 

I am extremely happy with my choice of the CVT transmission as well. The Cooper CVT is the best kept secret in the MINI lineup. The CVT is not your everyday slushbox transmission.

My rear latch mechanism broke when the car was 5 weeks old and it had to be replaced. Fortunately the dealer had several of these latches at hand and it took just about 30 minutes to get it replaced. It is a fairly simple repair but if the dealer has to order the part, be prepared to be inconvenienced big time (Bungee cord the hatch while it gets repaired).

I have 2,000 troublefree miles in my CVT and sometime next week we are heading to Disneyworld in our MINI...yipee!!


If you have any other questions about the CVT, feel free to send me a private message at anytime.

 

>>
>>In very slow traffic, it tends to shudder a bit, mainly because the MINI wants to go-go-go! Also, when going from a standaing stop, there's always a split-second lag from when you push down the gas to when it starts to go.


This is EXACTLY how I would describe my CVT. Boy it hates traffic jams. The lag problem is solved a bit by switching off the DSC, but I only bother when I need to blow away the guy in the lane next to me at a traffic light

 

>>
>>>>
>>>>In very slow traffic, it tends to shudder a bit, mainly because the MINI wants to go-go-go! Also, when going from a standaing stop, there's always a split-second lag from when you push down the gas to when it starts to go.
>>
>>
>>This is EXACTLY how I would describe my CVT. Boy it hates traffic jams. The lag problem is solved a bit by switching off the DSC, but I only bother when I need to blow away the guy in the lane next to me at a traffic light
>>

Problem solved with upcoming DME software update fix CD #32. Should be available at all MINI dealer at the end of this month.

I had CD #31 programmed in my car 1 month ago and it really did improve the acceleration...feels linear and much, much smoother throttle response, no to mention more powerful.

I don't have DSC in my car, but have been very happy so far. CD #32 should make it even better.

 

Hey, great, does the dealer charge for that?

 

>>Hey, great, does the dealer charge for that?


Nope, it is covered by the 4 year/50,000 mile warranty. So you have about 4 years worth of free software upgrades ahead of you!

 

>>
>>>>
>>>>In very slow traffic, it tends to shudder a bit, mainly because the MINI wants to go-go-go! Also, when going from a standaing stop, there's always a split-second lag from when you push down the gas to when it starts to go.
>>
>>
>>This is EXACTLY how I would describe my CVT. Boy it hates traffic jams. The lag problem is solved a bit by switching off the DSC, but I only bother when I need to blow away the guy in the lane next to me at a traffic light
>>

 

I have a Mini S which of course only comes with stick shift. Here's my advice. It will take you about 5 minutes to learn how to drive with a stick shift. And, in my option, a stick shift is what Mini is all about. So don't be chicken. Learn that new skill. You'll enjoy you new Mini that much more. And, I promise you, it's easy to learn.

 

I completely agree with mikegre on this one! The CVT is great, and if it is the right choice for you, then you should get it, however. . . . . don't get it just because you are afraid of learning to drive a manual.

Even if you have tried in the past and been frustrated or afraid that you will hurt the transmission of your nice friend's car that has generously offered its transmission as a sacrificial lamb to teach you, you really need to learn this skill!

Transmissions are tough in general, and you will learn how to do it long before you really hurt anything at all. Stalling the car is really the worst you can do. Just go to a big parking lot somewhere and practice going from 1-2-3 gears and then to a stop.

Tuthfully, the hardest part of learning is getting over the fear of hurting a car.

My Land Rover salesman actually spent about an hour with me teaching me how to drive a manual (and this is a clunky unrefined Land Rover transmission) so that he could sell me a car. He would not let me out of the car until I could start while facing up a hill. When the test-drive and driver's ed class was over, I bought the truck!

_________________
~Yucca Patrol~

2003 MCS, BRG/W on the truck to my dealer!

"Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement."

 

Buy one. I did it twice....already.

 

Ah, good old Robert Frost. And probably one of the most mis-interpreted poems of the 20th century.

_________________
~Yucca Patrol~

2003 MCS, BRG/W on the truck to my dealer!

"Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement."

 

Hi Bad Apple!

1.) I picked up my Cooper yesterday with CVT and love it!
:smile:

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My advice is to learn to drive a stick before you get it. It's a lot more fun and gives you more control. I drive the 91 freeway in So.Cal, which is the busiest in the USA, and I would still take a stick over an automatic. I know everyone has a reason or opinion, and mine is just one, but I never even concidered an automatic. I have an 03 MC and have had no hatch problems....in fact, no problems at all....knock on wood (my head).

 

took me a week to learn manual but IM SO glad I did. It is so much fun and you definitley have more control...for those control freaks out there like myself its perfect.

500 miles so far and shes been great.