Auto gearboxes in Minis - a guide?

[Dino D]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum and not a mini owner yet (but a BMW owner at least).

I'm helping my mother in law buy a used mini (in UK by the way) and she needs auto.

I want to stay away from the CVT models due to reliability concerns and am am trying find a definitive guide to to which ones had CVT and which ones had a 'normal' torque converter.

So far my research online tells me that:
All R50/R52s have CVT autos.
The R53 was always a 6 speed steptronic transmission.
R56's came with a 'proper' torque converter auto.
Cabrio - had CVT until 2009

Can anyone confirm/deny this?

I am looking for a way to tell from looking at adverts before going to see the cars so build date or other tell tale signs as to which gearbox they have would be useful to me (some cars are far away so do not want to get there and find out it is a CVT - calling the sellers doesn't always confirm it as allot I have spoken too are not sure or even know what I am talking about!)

She is looking at non-S models, maybe even a cabrio if we can get in budget which is around 7k.

If this has been dealt with elsewhere then apologies and a pointer in that direction would be appreciated.

[mab01uk]

Sounds about right...........if you only look at the R56 (2nd Gen/Mk2) models (including Cabrio) you can't go wrong.

[Poprin]

My advice to you would be to hold out for an R56. Some people say that the earlier models have more character, I wouldn't disagree with this I’ve driven some and my friend has one and the engine does sound sweeter and they seem more lively. However if this is for your mother-in-law I am making the assumption that she isn't that bothered about this. She wants a Mini because it's a Mini and it's cool and she wants something reliable, economical and all that jazz.

The R56 Mini Cooper will easily do 10+ mpg more than the previous models because the engine is more fuel efficient, they are also a bit more reliable and the ride is more comfortable (providing you go for delete run-flat tyre option). The R56 looks different to the other models as almost every panel is different however it's not always immediately obvious. Basically if you are looking at an 07 plate or above and it's not a cabriolet then it's an R56. They did change in late 2006, mine is on a 56 plate and is an R56 but I wouldn't like to say all 56 plate cars will be...

I doubt you will hit a Cabrio for less than 7k worth having, you should be able to get an R56 Cooper though. I wouldn't bother with the One in R56 form because I believe it's a 1.4 and I had one as a loaner from the dealer and it was seriously sluggish, especially if you strap an auto to it

[Dino D]

Thanks for the replies guys.

The MIL is not a 'driver' so the R56 is actually better for those reasons for her (but she still too young for a proper OAP car).

Power not an issue too as its a town car and even on motorways she will not go over 70, ever. I think she might get into trouble with an S (she had a 140bhp Eos that scared her!) but worth a look for the days I drive it!

Just to clarify then - are the Cabrios all CVT until 2009.

I see some with Pano roofs but closer to 8k for those - might be a good compromise if I cannot get an non-cvt Cabrio (and the Pano roof doesn't leak/jam like so many others!)