New Poster here and Mini Cooper newbie (hoping to become a Mini Cooper aficionado). I am presently looking at a 2008 Mini Cooper convertible (base model). It has an automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel (I am a manual guy myself but my wife won't drive it unless it's an auto). The used car dealer insists it's a six speed, but a few forums I have read suggest that this may be a CVT. I also called three Mini dealers in my area and after punching in the car's VIN it shows up as a six speed steptronic transmission. This is a Canadian car if it makes any difference. I have not heard good things about the CVT and don't want to get stuck with a huge repair bill in the first few years (car already has 150000 KM). If it indeed is the CVT were they problematic in these years, and is there anyway of me knowing in the test drive what I am dealing with? I plan to get the car inspected at a MINI dealer as well.

 

That should be the six speed steptronic transmission.. If it had a CVT in it.. I wouldn't even consider buying it..IMO.. But one thing I would consider having done is have the transmission serviced.. I think your around 93,000 miles. If you called 3 MINI dealers and they all have told you what type of transmission you have its safe to say your okay..

 

I find it amazing that Subaru has been using CVY's for decades and seems to have worked out most if not all of the problems, but Mini and most others are still teething.

The horror stories I've read about the Mini CVT would make me run away as far and as fast as I could. And I pity the poor schlubs who buy them after 50-75K miles without understanding what could happen. Lee Myles won't be able to help them for less than $8K from what I've read.

 

Gen1 mini... A r52 base is s CVT...just a "simulated" shifts....run!!
Buy one year newer...get the regular tranny...

 

Poor schlub here but I did go into a service contract when I bought mine. And yes, the tran did go and yes I still love my little car and yes I'd probably do it all over again.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I test drove the car yesterday and there were too many other issues with the car despite the transmission(knocking rear suspension, wind noise, wheel bearing noises, brake pad light on), so I passed. I saw another listed at pretty much the same price that I will be checking out tomorrow. This one is a 2007 base convertible with a manual transmission and only 57k miles. Any problems with the manual transmission or any other things I should look out for?

 

All 2005+ r50/rR2 switched from the troubleprone Midlands 5 speed to a getrag 5 speed (spelling?, but same maker as on the 6 speeds S)...have not heard of any issues.
Make sure the top works (lol, hope anybody would)and look for wear or rub spots on it...then all the usual r50 items....

 

Thanks for all the responses to this thread. I finally found a car in great condition so I am now a part of the Mini community. I ended up buying a 2006 Mini Cooper S convertible (Cool Blue). I stayed away from the auto transmissions and bought one with a six speed. The wife will just have to learn to drive a stick.

 

'05-'06 are supposed to be the better option because they have most of the bugs worked out and don't have all the newer electronic issues that supposedly cropped up. I'm only repeating what I have read here and elsewhere. Good luck to you. As you already know, the 6 speed is a piece of cake to drive with the possible exception of launching from a stop.

Enjoy the ride!