Drivetrain buying mini- automatic or stick?
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I am going to buy a mini but need some input about the automatic transmission mini- I am now driving a 15 yr old manual transmission toyota with 36,000 miles(not 136- that's 36!)I commute 2 miles to work and use my car for food shopping and to go to the mall(my husband's car is the car we use for any big trips) I"m going to test drive both- but wanted to hear from someone who has an automatic how it runs, & for my driving needs if that's the way to go. Any other suggestions welcome! Thanks!
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Welcome to MCO (MINI Cooper Online). I am sure that they are both great, but I have the 6 speed transmition in the MCS (MINI Cooper "S"
which is the only gearbox you can get for the "S". The Cooper is a less HP car that I am sure is still fun, and comes with either a CVT automatic, or a 5 speed manual. I think this is the best car I have ever had, and I am glad to be driving a stick again. I thought that I would have gotten sick of it by now, but this car is one that I will never get sick of. I got the 8th "S" in my state which I recieved July 2, 02, and have nearly 18,000 miles on it and am still having just as much fun as I was on the first day i recieved it. Good luck with the choice, either way, I am sure you will still have fun. Good luck!
which is the only gearbox you can get for the "S". The Cooper is a less HP car that I am sure is still fun, and comes with either a CVT automatic, or a 5 speed manual. I think this is the best car I have ever had, and I am glad to be driving a stick again. I thought that I would have gotten sick of it by now, but this car is one that I will never get sick of. I got the 8th "S" in my state which I recieved July 2, 02, and have nearly 18,000 miles on it and am still having just as much fun as I was on the first day i recieved it. Good luck with the choice, either way, I am sure you will still have fun. Good luck!
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Hi Speedy57 and welcome to MCO!
I was in a similar situation to yours when I bought my Cooper. I had driven manual transmissions since getting my license 15 years ago, and really enjoyed the control it gives. With a new car purchase, though, I was leaning toward automatic transmission. I was a little afraid that I would not be doing justice to the car if I went with the CVT, but for a variety of reasons I went with it anyway.
Three months after taking delivery of my car I do not regret the decision at all, and there are many other MCOer's who will say the same thing. The wonderful thing about the CVT is that it affords you the ability to use it as a straight automatic, or you can slide the gear shift over and take control of the shifting. (Handy in the twisties and overtaking other cars!)
Mine has run perfectly since I got it, no complaints at all here. There were some early problems with CVT Coopers, but these have been taken car of with recent software updates.
I guess it comes down to what you decide you really want in the end, but to me CVT is the best of both worlds!
I was in a similar situation to yours when I bought my Cooper. I had driven manual transmissions since getting my license 15 years ago, and really enjoyed the control it gives. With a new car purchase, though, I was leaning toward automatic transmission. I was a little afraid that I would not be doing justice to the car if I went with the CVT, but for a variety of reasons I went with it anyway.
Three months after taking delivery of my car I do not regret the decision at all, and there are many other MCOer's who will say the same thing. The wonderful thing about the CVT is that it affords you the ability to use it as a straight automatic, or you can slide the gear shift over and take control of the shifting. (Handy in the twisties and overtaking other cars!)
Mine has run perfectly since I got it, no complaints at all here. There were some early problems with CVT Coopers, but these have been taken car of with recent software updates.
I guess it comes down to what you decide you really want in the end, but to me CVT is the best of both worlds!
Welcome to MCO Speedy!
I'm a die-hard manual tranny guy, so my vote is for the stick, all the way!
However, what is best for you, is exactly what you should get
Cheers and good luck,
Ryan
I'm a die-hard manual tranny guy, so my vote is for the stick, all the way!
However, what is best for you, is exactly what you should get
Cheers and good luck,
Ryan
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Welcome Speedy!
If you want the "fun to drive" aspect then the stick shift is the way to go. The difference in horsepower is quite significant between the two models as well, so that's something to think about also.
Let us know what you decide...my baby's coming in a stick!
If you want the "fun to drive" aspect then the stick shift is the way to go. The difference in horsepower is quite significant between the two models as well, so that's something to think about also.
Let us know what you decide...my baby's coming in a stick!
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