Howdy y'all,
I found a Chili Red/White 2004 MINI with 84k miles that has viewable service records at the dealer's site. So far, the only thing that appears to have been replaced on this car is the steering wheel. Everything else on record shows routine service. The only other notable thing that got replaced were window regulators.

I'm well aware that the CVT's suffered high failure rates.

From research, I'm wondering if an 04' with a CVT transmission should be avoided at all costs. Yay or Nay?

What sorts of things on an 04' CVT model should I beware of?

I'd love to buy something under 10k because I can buy it outright. Hence, it perked my interest as it is priced at $9,000. Of course, I'd haggle that price down. What do you think I should offer, just based on this info, without having looked at it?

I haven't had a look at the car in person yet. It's an hour away. So, I'm on the fence about going to see it yet. I'll admit it was the color that got me. Classic red/white.

 

For under $10K you should be able to buy an -05-06 MCS with automatic.

 

I would run away from the cvt transmission ASAP. Sorry. It's a ticking time bomb.

 

Pass because of CVT

 

Pass on that trans. It could cost you dearly.

 

Run and then Run some more, and when you are tired and out of breath take a break. Then run some more!!!

 

As with every car you buy, new or used, there is always a chance of anything going wrong. Nothing is 100% perfect. Just like in the world. But always hope for the best.

Wow some people really hate cvts when they dont even own one or they always gotta remember someone persons horror story, 1 out of thousands cars, Lol. (you hear alot more people rant on the bad of this, vs the people that dont come on here because they have no problems with it.)If the car runs fine when you test it, it should be ok. Just look out for grinding noises if your worried. Then do transmission fluid change whenever u get a chance. The fail safes on these cars are good for not stressing the engine motor or transmission it your a reckless driver, if your a smooth driver then you shouldn't have a problem with breaking something that is cause by the driver. (driving a cvt takes a little getting used too)
Alot of these cvt are up to 200k+ and below. Mine is at 100k.

I would be more worried about normal wear and tear like axle boots, fan low speed, coolant and oil change, spark plugs. Brake pads and oil leaks.

Goodluck on your find and hope everything works out for you!!
For the price you looks at, not a bad deal, and base models have way less problems then S models!

Ohh thank goodness its not a 2007 or newer, hahaha alot more problems then first gen mini coopers. If you know what i mean!

Please dont hate my post!! Just providing insight and hope! Hehe

 

There is an '06 listed above, with 72K and an automatic trans, for $13K from a seller clearly inviting negotiation. Go for it.

 

I had a 05 CVT with over 100k miles on it. It never gave me a problem. However, the reality is that this transmission is very costly to service if it fails. Whether you use a dealer or independent shop.

My dealer quoted me approx $7k for a rebuilt unit if it failed. On a $10k car. It just doesn't make sense.

There are a few resources on the web for this but it appears you cant get an average gear based tranny shop to do a rebuild of the pulley and band CVT system. At least that is what the internet will tell you.

Like I said. Mine ran like a champ, but I took really good care and had the dealer drain/refill the transmission approx every 30k miles.

 

Run Forest....run!!!!

 

Unless you plan on getting an extended warranty, run far, far away. A cvt can cost up to $10k to replace, but with a warranty, you only have to pay your deductible. Just make sure you buy one from a reputable company

 

Sorry, but I would pass on this model.

Too many things to go wrong and not cost effective even with a warranty.

Warning: headaches ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

Its not worth the risk!

 

It might be fine, but if it's not, you'll be kicking yourself for not searching a little longer for one without the CVT. I'd pass.

 

Hahaha! Beat me to it!