R50/53 What to do with my 03 CVT
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
What to do with my 03 CVT
Hi Everyone,
I really need help here. I have an 03 MC with the CVT transmission. I have 71,000 miles on it. It is no longer covered by warranty.
After the transmission fluid change with service II, the car developed a droning noise. This noise can be attributed to bearing wear on the tranny. The fix is to replace the bearing, but the noise may appear again. This is issue number one with the CVT.
My bigger issue with the CVT is my deep concern that the CVT belt will break and I will be faced with a $7000 fix that I just can't afford.
I absolutely love driving a MINI, and wanted to keep this car forever. But now I feel like I am driving a time bomb.
So.....I need input and feedback from my fellow MINI owners:
Any high mile CVTs with out tranny problems?
Should I hang onto the MINI and just fix it when the belt breaks?
Should I buy a cheapo daily driving and save the MINI for special occasions?
Should I just sell it and buy another MINI?
Should I just sell it and buy a non-MINI? (It kills me to even ask this)
I am actually losing sleep over this and fear that all the other early model CVT owners will be in my shoes sooner or later.
Thanks for reading this and I really would like to hear from you.
I really need help here. I have an 03 MC with the CVT transmission. I have 71,000 miles on it. It is no longer covered by warranty.
After the transmission fluid change with service II, the car developed a droning noise. This noise can be attributed to bearing wear on the tranny. The fix is to replace the bearing, but the noise may appear again. This is issue number one with the CVT.
My bigger issue with the CVT is my deep concern that the CVT belt will break and I will be faced with a $7000 fix that I just can't afford.
I absolutely love driving a MINI, and wanted to keep this car forever. But now I feel like I am driving a time bomb.
So.....I need input and feedback from my fellow MINI owners:
Any high mile CVTs with out tranny problems?
Should I hang onto the MINI and just fix it when the belt breaks?
Should I buy a cheapo daily driving and save the MINI for special occasions?
Should I just sell it and buy another MINI?
Should I just sell it and buy a non-MINI? (It kills me to even ask this)
I am actually losing sleep over this and fear that all the other early model CVT owners will be in my shoes sooner or later.
Thanks for reading this and I really would like to hear from you.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: Gloucester, MA, USA
Although there's been some CVT issues reported online, I'm certain there are many CVT MINIs running around with no issues - as always, you always see the negatives in forums.
Having said that, I'd say trade up if you can - any car in warranty is much better peace of mind, and as you say, you're always going to worry about it ... a MINI is to be enjoyed, not worried about!
Having said that, I'd say trade up if you can - any car in warranty is much better peace of mind, and as you say, you're always going to worry about it ... a MINI is to be enjoyed, not worried about!
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
71,000 miles isn't that much.
Your MINI isn't that old.
If you can afford to, check into an extended warranty and see if the CVT repair would be covered.
Otherwise you can sell your CVT and try to pick up a used MCS with automatic transmission and paddle shifters- those are fun.
Give one a test drive.
Or you could sell and buy a used MINI with CVT and less miles on it.
The new Nissan Versa SL has a CVT transmission and doesn't cost that much.
Just came out in July.
Your MINI isn't that old.
If you can afford to, check into an extended warranty and see if the CVT repair would be covered.
Otherwise you can sell your CVT and try to pick up a used MCS with automatic transmission and paddle shifters- those are fun.
Give one a test drive.
Or you could sell and buy a used MINI with CVT and less miles on it.
The new Nissan Versa SL has a CVT transmission and doesn't cost that much.
Just came out in July.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 0
From: New York City
many past CVT problems were attributed to an incorrect weight or viscosity used in the tranmission. This was mostly corrected in the earlier years. If the fluid was not corrected and driven at length, then damage could be done ... hard to say really. I discussed this at lenght with my MA as i debated NAV or CVT.... ended up going with the NAV 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post