I have a 06 Mini convertible with the CVT transmission. The transmission has gone out (like they do).

So my dilemma is - Part it out? Or Repair it?

Is there any money in selling it for parts (with a bad transmission)? Or do I put in a low-mileage CVT and baby it along for a bit longer - approximately $3000 in cost.

Is it possible to sell one of these pepper white mini convertibles in the condition it's in?
Or is my choice really to "junk it" or repair it?

 

Moving you to the Stock Problems/Issues area.

The CVT, what a way to ruin a nice car.

 

Well the coolest and very cost effective way to fix it is convert it to a 6spd manual. We are finishing another one in our shop tomorrow. This really makes it awesome to drive, and more fuel efficient.

Otherwise finding a used CVT is another option, but they usually want a fortune for it. I have one if you are willing to pick up as I don't want to bother trying to ship.

 

If the car is in excellent condition with lower mileage...I would fix it

 

I ended up repairing it. If I take out all the missteps (purchasing bad transmission from well-known dealer, having car hauled everywhere in the state to have it reprogrammed. Paying to remove and return bad transmission), it was actually not too bad to have it repaired:

$30 - Software to diagnose and reprogram (purchased from ebay)
$1900 - "low mileage" salvage transmission from LKQ
$670 - Labor to swap out transmission from local dealer.
$30 - 5 quarts of CVT transmission fluid from Autozone (guaranteed compatible, buy 1 get 1 free).

So a total of $2630 to have it repaired and back running. And the "new" transmission is night and day better than what it previously was.

 

Great !!!

Glad you were able to fix. I have seen some CVT transmissions have 275,000 miles and still going strong !!!!
An important key is when putting in gear...wait 5 seconds before pushing gas pedal.
Seems the bands take a few to " get into place"

Good Luck !!!