04 mini CVT transmission problem
 

Just started a small dealership in my town and bought an 04 mini with only 55k miles on it at auction. Drove great on the test drive but went to pick it up the next day and the transmission would not shift in auto mode. Manual side shifts well and car seems to run fine except for a really loud noise that does not seem to be transmission related. Small town trans shop has no idea what to do with it and an Atlanta shop said trans needs to be replaced after they inspected it. Any suggestions? Bought it to sell, so obviously can't spend thousands to repair.

CVT's are known issues. When the issue arises, most people do a 6-speed manual swap into them. If the transmission shop has determined it's the issue, then replacing it or upgrading to a 6-speed would be the route to go. Depending on what price you can find a used 6-speed transmission for, the OP of the thread below was into the swap for $2,000, which is a really good price. You can look for a used unit on Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market. Good luck.

CVT to 6 Speed Getrag Swap - North American Motoring