I am new to the forum and have it looks like I made a bad buy of a 2006 Mini Hatch with 127,000 miles. I know, I know :( I have $4,500 in it. I have gotten an EP fault and according to the dealer, I need to replace the output speed sensor ($605). Also, it needs both sway bar bushings and the right side stabilizer link ($876). They said the oil pan gasket needs replaced ($841) but I haven't noticed any significant oil loss. The car is clean and otherwise seems to be ok. My fear is whether the CVT is still on its way out despite replacing the output sensor. I haven't done anything yet. It looks like a CVT replacement is $7k - $8k. The local junkyards don't have any minis, and I have read that a salvage tranny for mine could run $3k. I can work on cars and am wondering if the sway bar bushings and link, and oil pan gasket are recommended for DIY'ers.

My wife loves the car, but I don't want to end up upside down financially. Researching complaints including the CVT issue indicates that owners of high-mileage minis claim one thing after another going.

Options:
1) Sell as is at a possible loss.
2) Fix the sway bar bushings, link and sell. The clanking and looseness is going to make it hard to sell.
3) Get the output speed sensor replaced (is this a DIY or internal part?), fix sway bar issues, and keep driving.

Any advice would be recommended!

 

I had one CVT car which was great from new condition and towards the end of my ownership 80K, was awful. I fear them and if it was me, I'd want to dump it. Trade in for sure, selling to a private party would cause me issues unless I disclosed the reasons I was selling.

 

That boggles me that they want to charge you that much for sway bar bushings and an endlink. Its literally like $60-70 in parts so they basically want like $800 in labor. I'd look around for a better quote.

Edit: just noticed you said dealer, makes sense. Take it to an independent shop and you'll get a more reasonable price.

 

Ive also heard bad things about the CVT. If your at 125k miles already then Id just trade her in. You got really great use out of her and has lasted longer than most R53's have I believe. Id definitely trade it in... and if you like the car so much. Maybe consider getting the newer Mini or try and find a lower mileage R53. Just try and stay away from the R56 with the N14.

Regarding the prices the stealership is charging... it doesnt really surprise me. Like someone else said... try to find a independent shop to do the repairs as sway bar bushings and an endlink arent specialized things a dealership must do. Same goes for the oil pan. Output shaft.... not so sure of.

 

... I would guess output shaft seal, not the oil pan gasket... Dealership labor prices can be ... brrrrr!...Horrendous for the most part.
The sway bar bushings and link are easy enough for the DIY's, the output seal is a little bit of work...

I would suggest looking at the total cost to years expected to continue to use... sometimes we have to think with our wallet and not our hearts...

Motor on!

 

If you're anywhere near Atlanta, you could talk to Way Motor Works about swapping the
CVT to a Getrag 6-speed as he's done a bunch. Will cost even more than replacing a CVT, however.