Auto or Manual
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 0
From: DFW, TX
NOTHING can make an Avalon look good. It would look like crap, even next to Ashley.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Barnwell, SC
Yep, I have one in my minivan, too. 
I'm just continually amazed by the folks who are SO SURE that the manual is SO SUPERIOR, but who haven't spent a significant amount of time in an MCSa. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and to their own preference (which this is, after all - a preference). But it's kinda like everyone being SO SURE the world was flat because, well, er, they had never tried to prove it wasn't...
Does the manual create a more visceral man-machine interface? ABSOLUTELY. Did I LOVE that when I was younger? Absolutely. And it took me 2 months to really get to know and love what the MCSa can do - it's a totally different driving experience - you don't drive it the same way you drive the manual - if you try to, you'll be disappointed and wonder why the heck anyone would want one. Takes a while to adjust your style - but with the paddles and no clutch, you find yourself shifting in situations where you wouldn't / couldn't / shouldn't with a manual... and always with your foot in the throttle... it's kinda spooky.
But when it's set to "D" it is a DOG. So if that's what we're comparing with, I'm in complete agreement - it sucks. When it's in "SD", it's fun in traffic or when you just don't want to concentrate on shifting. And in manual mode, it's very cool, but there IS a learning curve...
I'm just continually amazed by the folks who are SO SURE that the manual is SO SUPERIOR, but who haven't spent a significant amount of time in an MCSa. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and to their own preference (which this is, after all - a preference). But it's kinda like everyone being SO SURE the world was flat because, well, er, they had never tried to prove it wasn't...
Does the manual create a more visceral man-machine interface? ABSOLUTELY. Did I LOVE that when I was younger? Absolutely. And it took me 2 months to really get to know and love what the MCSa can do - it's a totally different driving experience - you don't drive it the same way you drive the manual - if you try to, you'll be disappointed and wonder why the heck anyone would want one. Takes a while to adjust your style - but with the paddles and no clutch, you find yourself shifting in situations where you wouldn't / couldn't / shouldn't with a manual... and always with your foot in the throttle... it's kinda spooky.
But when it's set to "D" it is a DOG. So if that's what we're comparing with, I'm in complete agreement - it sucks. When it's in "SD", it's fun in traffic or when you just don't want to concentrate on shifting. And in manual mode, it's very cool, but there IS a learning curve...
My husband greatly prefers manuals in sports cars, but when he drives my MCSa in "SD", he can't help but smile! 
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 874
Likes: 60
From: Modesto, Ca
I have an MCS/a and I like it just fine. I track it and don't have any trouble staying with or passing the sticks. The only bad thing about the auto is the HP you lose, but all it takes is money to over come that.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 42
From: Minnesota, USA
Manual
I kinda feel bad for those who can't drive a standard transmission.
As kids, we weren't allowed to drive a car, until we could operate a manual.
Still, some folks chose automatic over standard, for some troublesome reasons-Like having your hands free to do other things (fiddle with music, cell phones, hair/makeup, drink drinks.)
OK, I know I'm a dinosaur, but I just like to drive-period.(OK I do have my IPOD adapter in the glovebox and control it from the MFSW, but that's it.)
Absolutely no phone (my MINI's no phone booth on wheels). If people want to talk to me, they have to wait until I'm done with my ride!
Can't stand the distractions, and don't use my MINI as a mobile restaurant, either. Multi tasking is very overrated and not always a good quality.
My Dealer gave me a loaner once with the paddles on it. It was somewhat better that a straight automatic, but still pretty lame in the end.
Some of us guys (and gals I'm sure) just like the pure fun of having manual control.
To each his own.
If you had the good sense to get a MINI, you're still OK in my book!
As kids, we weren't allowed to drive a car, until we could operate a manual.
Still, some folks chose automatic over standard, for some troublesome reasons-Like having your hands free to do other things (fiddle with music, cell phones, hair/makeup, drink drinks.)
OK, I know I'm a dinosaur, but I just like to drive-period.(OK I do have my IPOD adapter in the glovebox and control it from the MFSW, but that's it.)
Absolutely no phone (my MINI's no phone booth on wheels). If people want to talk to me, they have to wait until I'm done with my ride!
Can't stand the distractions, and don't use my MINI as a mobile restaurant, either. Multi tasking is very overrated and not always a good quality.
My Dealer gave me a loaner once with the paddles on it. It was somewhat better that a straight automatic, but still pretty lame in the end.
Some of us guys (and gals I'm sure) just like the pure fun of having manual control.
To each his own.
If you had the good sense to get a MINI, you're still OK in my book!
Reverse Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 0
Depends on the car.
The MR2 would be a horrible auto - its all about revs, so.....
My wife has an auto 325i, on a commute or a long trip the auto makes sense, the shift pattern is also incredibly good, it is always in the correct gear. If I want some 'fun' I can switch it into manual mode and use engine braking too - I only wish that the MSCA gearbox was that good.
Hence I bought a manual Mini, the auto is pretty good, but even in manual mode and even having the paddles it is not as good as the auto box in the 325i and not as nice to use as the manual with a Whalen....
The MR2 would be a horrible auto - its all about revs, so.....
My wife has an auto 325i, on a commute or a long trip the auto makes sense, the shift pattern is also incredibly good, it is always in the correct gear. If I want some 'fun' I can switch it into manual mode and use engine braking too - I only wish that the MSCA gearbox was that good.
Hence I bought a manual Mini, the auto is pretty good, but even in manual mode and even having the paddles it is not as good as the auto box in the 325i and not as nice to use as the manual with a Whalen....
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 874
Likes: 60
From: Modesto, Ca
How many out their ever has a clutch slip or miss a gear when down shifting. I never miss. How many F1 cars run sticks. A stick is old school. I track mine and it does just fine, all i have to do is hit my brake points and hit the paddles.
Fixed gear ratios are soooooo 20th century !
I want my hovercar NOW, and I want it in an automatic
I love the CVT in our Murano, but in the MINI, I think it takes a really good driver to make it shine due to the low torque. I definitely don't have the knack for it, but my wife can make our MCa fly.
I prefer the 6 speed auto in the MCS because the footwell is tiny and my feet aren't. With the wider footwell in the '07, I might like the manual a bit more.
With any luck, we'll all be driving 300HP electric MINIs soon, and the manual transmission can finally be laid to rest
I want my hovercar NOW, and I want it in an automatic
I love the CVT in our Murano, but in the MINI, I think it takes a really good driver to make it shine due to the low torque. I definitely don't have the knack for it, but my wife can make our MCa fly.
I prefer the 6 speed auto in the MCS because the footwell is tiny and my feet aren't. With the wider footwell in the '07, I might like the manual a bit more.
With any luck, we'll all be driving 300HP electric MINIs soon, and the manual transmission can finally be laid to rest
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Babylon NY
i did drive a honda product and it was a 5 speed stroked and supercharged integra that would eat your mini alive
then years of soccer injuries caught up to me and my left knee is shot
as much as i wanted a stick i can't drive one for any amount of time
my mcsa is still one hell of a car to drive
then years of soccer injuries caught up to me and my left knee is shot
as much as i wanted a stick i can't drive one for any amount of time
my mcsa is still one hell of a car to drive
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 0
From: USA
Spirited driving just simply cannot be accomplished in an auto, IMO.
the ONLY time I wish I had auto is if I'm stuck in traffic, which really isn't much of an issue where I currently live.
I was actually VERY disappointed when they started offering MCS as an automatic.
the ONLY time I wish I had auto is if I'm stuck in traffic, which really isn't much of an issue where I currently live.
I was actually VERY disappointed when they started offering MCS as an automatic.
I prefer a stick. We have an Audi A3 with DSG, which is by all accounts the best 'automatic' transmission out right now. It is actually two three speed gearboxes, two clutches, and no torque converter, but gearchanges are actuated electronically by the paddles or just by the computer itself. Technically, it is an electronically shifted manual transmission. The MINI automatic transmission is an electronically shifted automatic with paddles. There is still a torque converter there, and there is NOT the direct linkage of engine to wheels that a manual (or the dsg) provides.
Having said that, I still prefer the 6 speed in my MCS. yes, the DSG shifts faster than I can. yes, DSG equipped A3s lap road courses quicker than manual transmission cars, and accellerate faster on top of that. However, one of the most enjoyable aspects of driving (to me) is to execute a perfect heel and toe rev-matched downshift in a manual transmission car. that feeling is something no automatic - paddle shifted or not- can replicate.
i will admit to some bias against MINIs with automatics. When I see a MINI with an automatic, I assume the person is not an enthusiast. Right or wrong, I do it. sorry.
Having said that, I still prefer the 6 speed in my MCS. yes, the DSG shifts faster than I can. yes, DSG equipped A3s lap road courses quicker than manual transmission cars, and accellerate faster on top of that. However, one of the most enjoyable aspects of driving (to me) is to execute a perfect heel and toe rev-matched downshift in a manual transmission car. that feeling is something no automatic - paddle shifted or not- can replicate.
i will admit to some bias against MINIs with automatics. When I see a MINI with an automatic, I assume the person is not an enthusiast. Right or wrong, I do it. sorry.
Thanks, Yellow - that's a reasonable, rational and edu-mu-cated position.
Well said.
That said, if you tell me I'm not an "enthusiast" to my face, my wife will laugh at you until you're deaf. I'm about as enthusiastic as they get, sans straightjacket...
Well said.
That said, if you tell me I'm not an "enthusiast" to my face, my wife will laugh at you until you're deaf. I'm about as enthusiastic as they get, sans straightjacket...
I just said I stereotype people...not that I can't or won't change that opinion later!
My wife wants an automatic cabrio so bad she can taste it....maybe we'll be a three car family once the A3 is paid off!
My wife wants an automatic cabrio so bad she can taste it....maybe we'll be a three car family once the A3 is paid off!
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I got the auto in my 06 S because my wife can't drive a standard. I though I would be disapointed but I was wrong, I love it . If I want to shift I can and when I'm lazy I leave it in drive. It is great for city driving.
