Decisions, decisions.
Hello, I'm in the market for an MCS but can't decide on the transmission. Would you kindly give me your opinion on the automatic transmission with paddle shifters? I did see (somewhere) that the automatic is faster through the speed traps than the manual. Is this possible? I like the idea of the 6 speed but am not ruling out the automatic. Any automatic drivers out there having fun? What do you say? Thanks for you input.

 

I personally can't conceive of owning a MINI in automatic, but it's a personal preference thing. Certainly the auto will be efficient. I tested a 2010 with paddles and they are comfortable. In my case the shifting was a bit slow, but it may have been configured to the previous owner's driving habits. What's the area in which you'll be driving? In steep SF hills, my manual always stressed me out. I'm no expert on shifting, however, learning later in life. Others expressed little issue. Also, I should mention, the new ones ship with Hill Assist on the manuals, so you have 1.5s of brake or so before it lets go, to minimize your shifting error...

 

Automatics with manual shifters will always be faster through the speed trap. Think about the difference between a manual and an automatic with paddles. With a manual you have to clutch down, shift, left off the clutch. That takes much more time than paddle shifting.

I still prefer manuals though

 

This is a total and complete case of personal preference. That being said, I'm very happy with my automatic. Sometimes it's nice to stick it in D and just go. I find it's especially nice in traffic, and everything is just smoother. There's nothing like the feel of a manual, but I don't miss it one bit. If you have the opportunity to test out both a manual and automatic, I'd say that's the best way to figure out which is right for you.

 

Thanks guys...I did have a chance to drive a 6 speed but not the automatic. I know it's personal preference. Thing is..there is an 08 I have my eye one that is just about perfect for me .... except for the automatic transmission!

 

By all means, test drive that 08 before you rule out the auto trans. I would have loved the 6 speed manual for my 09 Clubman, but a poor left knee vetoed that. I'm glad I didn't pass on the MINI just because I needed an auto. Put it in drive when you're in traffic or just don't feel like shifting. In that mode the paddles will shift for you, but after about 10 seconds, unless you're pushing it, it will revert to drive. If you are on the gas hard it will stay in the gear you picked until you ease up. Move the shift lever to the left and the paddles will shift and hold in the gear you pick. Or you can ratchet up or down gears with the lever on the left if that feels more natural for you. I do both, depending on my mood.

I don't know why my computer changed fonts in the middle of my message, that was not for emphasis or anything like that.

John

 

Yes indeed Sport, it's personal, just like colors. If you have the chance, drive the automatic. If you don't like it -- don't buy it.

I recently bought an automatic after more than 50 years of stick shifts and couldn't be happier. Are they for everyone? Of course not.

 

I love my auto! Was getting tired of driving stick. The auto in sport, manual is awesome!

 

Alb74 says it all, when you drive make sure it is in SPORT!

 

I've driven both.
If you can drive a stick already, get the manual. I really enjoy driving manual, and the Gretag gearbox feels good in this car. You may not get the choice of a manual on your next car in 5 or so years, so enjoy it now. The 'good old days' of cars are right now. Don't miss it.

 

The automatic is also a six speed. I like the Asin automatic in my MINI, it has so many shift options. There is the regular, put it in drive and go, there's sport mode, which is enhanced with a more aggressive shift map. Then there's your choice of the paddle shifters or the floor shifter, when it's in manual mode. That's a lot of flexibility with the automatic that the manual just doesn't have.

I have three other cars with manuals and so far I prefer the automatic in the MINI.

Dave

 

Most automatics aren't as fun to drive as their manual counterparts, but the Aisin 6 speed in the "S" is a great alternative to the manual. You can't go wrong either way!

The one thing I really like about the auto is that in 6th gear at 60 mph, the engine is turning at only 2,000 rpm which makes for quiet relaxed cruising when you want it.