Looking to purchase a used MINI w/auto tranny, have about $13k to spend, hoping to find one with the 6 speed autobox but will take a CVT if it's in good shape. We've previously owned a new '03 CVT and a new '06 S convertible with the Aisin 6 speed auto. Just curious what the average life of an '02 to '06 CVT transmission is? And are there any symptoms when they're starting to go out? As much as I love stickshifts it's just not an option for my spouse and she's a bigger MINI fan than I am.
Also, what's everyone's opinion of the 1st vs. 2nd gen MINIs? As much as I like the first gens, I've been reading some nice stuff on the newer motor, and since they did away with the CVT it's one less thing to worry about.

My understanding is avoid the CVT period, as to replace it costs almost as much as the car. I thought maybe the 05 and 06's had a different auto tranny?

I have a 2004 Mini with Cvt. Only has 26,000 miles, no problems so far, but I did go ahead and get the transmission fluid changed, used RedLine non-slip cvt type. The fluid and labor was only 135.00. By the way I am going to sell it for 13,300.

From what I'm reading all the CVTs were the same from '02 to '06 til the MK II came out. But I don't see anyone discussing any indications of impending CVT failure symptoms. Any conventional automatic will usually give you warning when it starts to fail, but all the CVT failures I read about just seem to suddenly and catastrophically fail.

'05 and '06 regular MINI's have the CVT

Cooper S has the ultra-reliable Aisin built 6 speed auto