Hey all,

I have been lurking around here for a couple of weeks gathering lots of information about Minis.

I am contemplating purchasing a 2007 MCS - I took one for a test drive the other week and it was really exciting. Since I work from home I figure that I can get something fun as a second vehicle as I don't end up driving much (although if I had a Mini I'd probably end up putting on many more "fun miles!). I live in New Hampshire so traffic is nil.

Anyhow. I test drove a MCS with automatic. I have not had a manual car for the last 5 years and, frankly didn't really think about it. Additionally my wife has driven a manual only 3 times in her life - and she is really nervous about manual transmissions and such.

So my questions are as follows:

Would the Mini be a good place for my wife to learn to how to drive a stick?

Is there much performance difference between the manual and the auto in the MCS? Is it worth teaching my wife stick on a new mini?

I am sure that other questions will pop up. Thought I'd intro myself and get some feedback from everyone!

Jason

 

You have to evaluate the strength of your relationship with your wife. My wife and I like to think we're a tighter team than just about anyone else. But we knew that teaching her manual would end it all!

 

Welcome to NAM!! Both the MINI"S I have owned have been sticks but I would think an automatic would be fun also. What ever you decide, happy motoring!!

 

I can comment on the performace of the MCSa, I drove the manual and liked it but my wife refuses to learn to drive a manual.

So a compromise had to be mad, got the Auto.

For everyday driving around the city it is fine, and I find myself using the sterring wheel paddes quite a bit. I believe the car really comes alive in sport mode, the auto tranny works beautifully maintaining the right gears.

It is a nice compromise between the two, MPG's are abit better on the manual if you care so much about that.

I have been averaging around 28 mpg with 80% city driving. I still have less than a 1000 miles so I am hoping that improves as the engines starts to open up a bit more.

 

Yeah that is my concern. I know *exactly* what you're talking about. I suspect that I might go for the MSCa...

I'll keep everyone posted and look forward to others inputs.!

 

I taught my wife how to drive a manual, it wasn't a big deal. She wanted to learn and thought I did a good job of helping her.

Now her shifting is flawless, but her driving...well that's another matter!

 

Welcome to NAM, the MCSa is great. I did not even suggest a 6 speed to my wife when I went looking for my 07. I drove both the automatic and the 6 speed, but for the sake of family harmony, the MINI with automatic was a given.

I love it, I have about 1400 miles of city and moderately fast mountain driving on scooter, average mpg is holding around 30.6.

The paddle shifter is great, I do use the shift on the floor too. I almost never use the sport mode, I think it kicks the revs up to much, so I use the engine the way I think it should be used, work the revs, pick my shift points, feel the power of the turbo working.

Either way you go the MCS is a fun and responsive car.

Let us know what you get and show us pictures.