Have 2005 Red / Black MCSa - Bought an Auto because I spend a lot of time in traffic and wife cant drive stick. Has most options. I am original owner, interior and exterior looks like new, car garaged. Auto has started to act up. Dealer says $10K, Trans shop with experience with this transmission rebuild says $2,800 - $3,400 for rebuild. Car has seen spirited driving, but not abused. Recently added new tires and brakes. Power steering leaks a little, but other than that no other issues. Have heard nothing from the supercharger but looks like they don't usually last much past 110K miles. Any thoughts on keep or sell? Thanks
First Gen car, original owner in great shape with no payments? Hummm easy Keep it. Show the MINI some love and have the trans work done.
So...a $3000 fix on a $8000+ car...not outrageous... Dealer estimate..yes..that is crazy...but they want you to trade it in on a NEW car...
P.S. when the tranny is out...have them swap the PS hoses out...many jobs on a mini are 90% labor ($$wise)....so combining jobs is a HUGE HELP. PSS TRY a couple fluid changes a few days apart? You do not state if the fluid was ever changed....sometimes a couple fluid changes can do wonders for a tranny!!
Keep the car. I also have an MCSa, an '06, that is modded and has seen track and twisties. It has no tranny problems and has just over 100k miles. I am the original owner. Like Crashton says, as yourself if you could buy a new[er] MCSa for the price you will pay for tranny work...knowing what kind of stresses you have placed on the car during your ownership but NOT knowing what may have been done to someone elses car
Some folks get 200k+ on their superchargers. Some don't. Mine was wearing significantly and starting to lose boost when I replaced at 120k. As long as you have a viable rebuilder for the tranny, that's what I'd do (and what I did).
My SC is still running at MAX boost with a 15% pulley and a nice RMW tune on it for the last 6 years. 260-ish whp at the wheels & 200 Tq. Still on OEM clutch also. Oh and no I do not drive like grandma, I beat the snot out of my car when I drive it. Only the paint gets babied. :ihih:
They are good till they fail.... Numbers are all over the board... My guess....since you are an auto driver, and see redline less often, it has a better chance of a long life....
Thank you for the input. I have kept my other car and all the repairs have proven to be worth the investment, and at about 295K miles and still looks new. I was concerned if investing in the Mini would prove to be worth whie or it would just go downhill. I don't expect that high mileage from the mini, and would really like to keep it. As you know its the most fun car for the money:wink:
I'm late to the party. I would keep it too, but do try changing the fluid first like was suggested. Good luck.
Many Toyota owners (most use varraints of the same/similar ASIN units, as do some vw and Audi cars) have found that a couple of fluid changes a few days apart can cure many issues...usuually slips or failure to lockup...lots of stories on the Toyota boards...and safer than a "flush" that can often stir up gunk... If you have a PHYSICAL issue...like a failed valve body...maybe not...but a sticky one, or a slipping clutch...sure with a few $$ in fluid to maybe save $3000... Just like to point out the fluids cause mini said fluids were lifetime, and they are NOT (note the service interval changes on the CVT, ETC), and a trany driven moderately hard makes heat...and it cooks the fluid.... In any case, good luck!! Heck...think there is another member with an auto tranny issue right now...
Tried draining fluid two times with a day between, but got worse. Decided to keep the car and took it in for transmission rebuild (as required - at least valve body rebuild). The good news is the shop said they would replace PS hoses, engine dampener, and mounts if they are worn at no extra cost if I supply parts. Will let you know how it goes.