This is my first post here. Looking to buy a used mini. Probably an '05 or newer, but I have driven '02s and others. Just drove an 2005 MCS 6-speed and noticed the shifting seemed to be really stiff. Making it somewhat hard to go from gear to gear. Especially 5th gear. The car has 55K miles, not sure if there has been any transmission work (clutch or other). The owner put an Alta short throw kit on there and says that might be why it is so stiff.

Question is: Would that kit make it stiffer? Other Minis I have driven don't seem to be this way.

Everything else about the car was spot on and it was smooth once in gear.

Thanks. Looking forward to talking more on this forum.

 

Can't speak on your question, but I did a lot of research prior to purchasing my 2010.. The only reason I went with the R56 is due to the fact that there was way too much Chrysler in the older Mini Coopers for my comfort...

Overall I hope you find one you want, although in my experience I try not to buy cars that have been modded, regardless how minor.. Usually a good indication of how they have been driven..

The only purpose of a short throw shift kit is to reduce throw between shifts, essentially making it easier to accelerate faster.. How did that driver use his car??

Either way, enjoy and good luck.

 

Thanks RotaryGuy. I'm like you, I like things that have not been modded. I come from a motorcycle racing background and I always gravitated to stock configurations. For this minor issue I may steer clear of this car. Just wish knew if this stiff shift was an indication of bigger problems.

 

If you don't like the way the car shifts, why would you continue to be interested? The are plenty of used MINI's out there, keep looking and you will find a good one.

 

I have driven a 6speed MCS and the shifting was smooth and effortless.. I would assume something is not quite right with the shift kit installed in that car.

 

Hello! Sounds to me like you should continue your search. Wishing you good luck. Hope you find the perfect MINI soon!

 

A lot of short-shift kits have gear throws that are really stiff, especially when cold. With such small tolerances, they really don't come into their own until the whole car has been warmed up. They can feel very notchy until that point and some never feel quite right. I'd skip it and move on to the next car since this would be one of those issues that would always linger in the back of your mind and make you wonder "who did the work? is there a problem with the rest of the transmission? how much would it cost to change it back to stock?" Not worth it in my opinion.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I did a bit of additional research about short shifters. Like some have said, it will make it stiffer just by the fact that the leverage is reduced. I think I need to go drive it again after adjusting it to a taller stance. Still undecided but leaning towards continuing the search.