the torque converter is what goes first in the CVT.
abrupt stalls are the torque converter not getting out of lock up.
My torque converter went at 105,000. new one was around $1800 I think- only lasted 11 months, 23,000 miles. needed a new tranny. $7,000 from dealer. I got a used tranny and had a local place install it for under $2,000. I wouldn't bother getting the torque converter replaced. I would just put a used tranny with low miles in it.