thoughts on getting a 2008 mini with a automatic and sport suspension. Or is it a waste of time without the power of the turbo in the S? Anybody out there own a auto. in a regular mini? this is a huge choice to make and I dont want to kick myself for not making the right decision. Thanks again for all the fun/help.

 

thoughts on getting a 2008 mini with a automatic and sport suspension. Or is it a waste of time without the power of the turbo in the S? Anybody out there own a auto. in a regular mini? this is a huge choice to make and I dont want to kick myself for not making the right decision. Thanks again for all the fun/help.

 

I would say if you are already doubting it... I would jsut get the one you apparently really want... just a thought... no regrets right??

 

I read the post a few times to make sure i was understanding it right and now my head hurts. From the looks of it, you want to get a 2008 MINI Cooper with Automatic transmission but aren't sure if the sports suspension would be a good idea as well.

I am not sure what "without the power of the turbo in the S" means...The sports suspension is independent of the power of the engine. You can have a MINI Cooper or a MINI Cooper S and have the sports suspension for better handling.

I still cannot understand what it is you are asking...whether automatic in a Cooper (MCa) is a good idea or whether a sports suspension in an MCa would make sense or whether you should be getting an MCSa

 

Make it easy and get the MCS manual with the sport suspension. It is the only choice you will not regret later.

 

I think he needs to figure that (choice) part out himself. If he doesn't do that now, he'll regret it later regardless of what he goes for.

 

The basic question is that I want to get a automatic and will the mini work too hard compared to the added power of the S model?. I drove a concrete truck for 36 years and Im done shifting. Has anyone have any thoughts on automatics?, does anyone like them?...........DAN

 

A guy I work with liked my R52S, but faced with a choice (for financial reasons) of an R53S, a stripped R56S, or a pretty decked out R56 Cooper, went with the Cooper. He also had, at his wife's direction, to get an automatic, whereas he would have preferred a manual. He loves his car. Are there times he wishes he had an S? Sure, but there are also days he's glad he is getting 37 mpg while driving like he stole it. ANY Mini is a lot of fun to drive. You will hear a lot about regretting not getting what you really want, but not much about financial responsibility, living within your means, and regretting having made bad financial decisions.

 

Aha!

I have an automatic here. I thought long and hard since shifting is fun but Seattle in-city traffic at times is a pain to just drive (just alone shift). However the automatic transmission in the MINI automatics lets you shift in two different ways

1. The gear selector lever can be tapped gently to its left in D position and you can shift manually (in one direction forward to shift down and backward to shift up) - i really like this

2. You can use the paddles to shift up down (aka F1 racing). The paddles are probably more safe since you don't have to take the hands off the steering wheel.

I am having a lot of fun with the "manual" shifting mode since i can rev up the engine before shifting up.

Since i am still in break-in mode, the only annoying thing is i need to look at
the tach and make sure the engine is not past 4.5K rpm - just to be safe i am shifting up between 3.5K and 4K rpm - once broken in, i am going to just use the sound to shift .

Also in either manual modes, the computer shifts for you automatically to protect the engine - i noticed this when i came to a stop at a red and the transmission shifted automatically from M4 to M2 .

The acceleration is a bit sluggish in automatic mode but you can always go manual and shift yourself or in slow traffic let the transmission shift itself.

 

That helps alot, sorry about the confusion. Do you have the S model?(miniphatty). I thought if the power of the turbo made that much difference, I would go with the S, otherwise, I would rather get all the upgrades on a regular mini. I am driving for fun, no track stuff. I cant wait to get it..Thanks again.......DAN

 

Yes i have the S model Dan. Yes, the S packs a good amount of punch but all i can tell you is to test drive both

Here's a funny review that was posted a while ago (on NAM):

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/rev...cooper-review/

 

I drove both versions in automatic, and found that the regular mini automatic felt more like a ford escort than a sports car. I really found a difference when driving the S. Keep in mind that I'm in Colorado with a lot of hills and mountains -- if you're in the flatland, it may not make as much of a difference.

 

One more question since you all have been so helpful! I do not like runflats, so what are my REAL choices for a spare?, Is carrying a donut take up too much room in the back? compresser, goop etc.? thanks for your feedback, again......DAN

 

I run with non-runflats on my R53, it did not come with any spare tire. I carry no compresser or goop and I am not worried. The odds of a flat are very low.

If you want a spare, the Cooper comes with one I think...at least he 1st gen did. The dealer could hook you up with a donut for the MCS if you go that route.

Even if you get the Cooper, you will have loads of fun. I had a '07 MC as a loaner for a while and paddle shifters are a lot of fun. Even more so in sport mode. The car is very well balanced and it's easy to hold a line. Ive never tested a '07 MCS, though. Get to the dealer and test them out to help with the decision.

 

I've got the dynaplug kit, slime, and a compressor in the back. (I got the boot box and keep all my emergency equipment in it.) Griot's also sells a good kit. I'm running non-runflat Nokian WR's right now and am very happy.

 

The Cooper has space for a spare (space-saver tire). The Cooper S doesn't - this is from the user manual.

 

I have two 2007 MC loaners with the automatic. I am unimpressed, just me but if I had to have the automatic, and could afford it I would get a "S".

 

What are you going to use it for? Inter-city commuting? Fast freeways? Spare car? Running the twisties? Mountains? That question would also apply to your sports suspension--I don't think I'd like it in Houston with all of the potholes, but sometimes wish I had it when I run autocrosses.

There is no one answer for your question--probably not even a few. I have an MCS manual, and it suits me just fine. I've had a few loaner MCa's, and I didn't like them. No power IMO, but it's not fair to compare it to the MCS, automatic or no.

If I were you, I'd drive both, but do the S first. You'll probably buy it.