Get the manual. I commute daily in my MCS 6 speed and have rediscovered the thrill of driving. I now take the long way home just so I can shift a few more gears and hit a few more curves. If I had an automatic I would be sitting on the highway in stop and go without that smile on my face. You'll love it and you will learn to drive it in no time.

 

I'd echo the opinion of those who suggest the 6-speed manual. I love mine. Its so much more fund to drive, and since the wife doesn't drive a stick, the MINI is all mine.

 

You know it's always funny when people don't understand my fascination with cars. They typically think it's just a form of transportation to get from point A to point B. Then you learn they're driving an automatic camry / accord / (insert generic people carrier here), and it all comes together. I feel kind of sorry for these people. They buy 4-door cars because they "might need to drive people around or carry stuff around." Now, the problem I see with this is that people are buying things for possibilities, but not what it's typically used for. A coupe would seat 4 people fine, probably less comfortably than a sedan, but who cares. How often do you use those rear seats? I even had one of my friends say that he wanted to get the passat instead of the jetta because it's a bigger can and he might need it down the road when he has kids. The thing is, my friend is 21 and doesn't have a girlfriend and I doubt he'll be getting married anytime soon. This is the equivalent of buying your kid an XL t-shirt when he needs a childrens small because he might need it in the future. Of course, I'm biased. The only automatics I would get is are a few AMGs ( namely the E55) just because they don't offer it in a manual. I don't even like paddleshifters so take my suggestion with a grain of salt. Get the manual and don't let your soul die. That's my rant.

I don't know if this matters to you since I don't know if you have a wife / girlfriend / fiance, but in one of the Men's Health surveys, they surveyed some women and found that the women regarded men who drove a manual more highly.

 

1. Get the manual. period!

2. The english leather seats are the most amazing seats the MINI has. I would of got them if I wanted to spring for that much. They are VERY VERY classy and change the look of the car entirely. I LOVE them

 

Yup! That's real MINI leather. You can tell because the driver seat leather is all stretched and wrinkly and puckering up all over the place!

Looks just like my genuine leather in my 2003. I sure wish I had gotten the leatherette!

 

No comparison, get the manual transmission. I'm assuming your interest in an MCS is driving fun--as opposed to the good looks. The only reason to buy an automatic in a car like the MCS is if you actually spend a large majority of your time in stop-and-go traffic. You'll master it quickly enough, and the MINI clutch is very forgiving (e.g., not easy to stall on launch like some clutches).

 

Alright! Sold! I'll get the 6-speed! Now who wants to drive me home?
Thanks for the encouragement,
John

 

I learned to drive on a manual. The only time I ever drive an automatic is when I am forced to rent a car. The Mini is the smoothest shift I have experienced (the worst was in a Corvette)...I, too, am biased...However, I don't think it makes that much of a difference which model MINI you decide to go with. Good luck with your choice, you won't be disappointed either way.

Why get someone to drive you home when you could start having fun immediately?! Mick