worth it to purchase a 2005 mini convertible?

[cynthia]

I found a really great MINI Cooper Convertible and am so close to purchasing it... But I just stumbled onto some startling info about transmission problems. This particular car has 76K miles on it.

Is this pretty much rampant with MINIs older than 2007?

Is there a way to purchase some type of warranty from MINI (buying car from a private dealership)?

Your input is greatly appreciated!

Any other issues/concerns with this model? Or do you just absolutely love it?

[Bubblehead 323i]

I'm looking at MINIs too. MINI stopped using the auto CVT transmission for the 2007 model. If you google MINI transmission problems, several sites will come up. Seems like the CVT had a few issues.

[beken]

To tell you the truth, I've read a lot about CVT transmission problems but of those I personally know who actually have CVT tranmission MINIs, driven normally, none have had any real problems. Some have had that "rubber banding" issue when the car is cold, but they seemed to have been resolved with a software update a few years ago.

I also have a friend who traded in her CVT MINI Cooper on fear that she was going to have major transmission problems down the road but never really had any issues. However, she did put a lot of mileage on the car in the few years she did own it.

MINI owners appear to be very passionate about their cars and any problems are broadcast far and wide. But personal experience has it that they are probably not more or less reliable than 95% of the cars out there.

Of course, MINIs, just by their fun nature, beg to be flogged when driven and I suspect that causes more problems than most normal (read boring) cars.

I do love working the paddle shifters on my friends' CVTs.