Ok, enough of the auto-hate here, folks. The Aisin 6-speed is a fine transmission and offers flexibility *and* control. (Steptronic is there for a reason!!)

Anyhow, the bottom line is this:

That said, you'll be wanting an "S" either way.

 

My automatic is very smooth shifting, and since it "learns" your driving style, I find that its choice of gears is spot on. You need to spend some real time with a car before making a blanket statement that the auto shifts badly. The auto is as good as any- its a personal preference thing about manual vs automatic, not that one is good and one is bad.

 

Oh I have spent time driving the MINI automatic and I driven more then just the r56. I have driven several r52s, r53s, and r50s that are autotragic and sadly no they are all the same. They feel like they are dragging out the clutch and they shift harder then popping a clutch. Like I said they are garbage.

 

If you have to ask, maybe the auto would be your best bet. Control when you want and convenience when you want. I however am a manual person simply because of the level of control. Bumper to bumper traffic or not I love myself a manual. I didn't even consider an auto when I purchased my MINI, just didn't seem right.

 

This has been my first manual, and even with the traffic I deal with (I live in Houston and have a half hour commute on a good day), I have never wished that I had gone with the auto.

 

I've always had manual transmission cars, my dad taught me to drive a stick in an old Jeep pickup, when I was fourteen. I bought a Clubman S automatic because my wife doesn't drive a stick, she's tried and I think she did well, but she isn't comfortable driving a stick. We needed another car with an automatic so she would have a car to drive when her Volvo was down for repairs.

I think that the Aisin 6 speed in the MINI is incredible! In manual mode, you can shift as quickly as you need, the paddle shifters, in auto mode, work to make downshifts. You can bump it down a gear or two for a corner and it'll go back into auto by itself after. It is way cool! I drive it allot in manual mode, other than not giving my left leg a workout, it feels like a manual!

I like manual transmissions, but I also really like MINI's automatic transmission.

I think all the auto transmission hate is just macho posturing, I really don't understand it!

Dave

 

I'd take a DSG or SMG or the like but I've never felt a torque converter I liked. Every single one of them is just frustrating as hell to me. My choice has never been about preferring a manual but rather from getting pissed off at the car every time I have to drive an auto.

 

I have ordered an automatic and it's definitely because I'm getting old. I've driven a shift since I was 16 (that's almost 30 years). I've always driven shift for most of the reasons given - better control, choice on when to shift gears, ability to roll start, and most of all, the enhanced feeling of moral superiority. I always figured it was wimpy to drive an automatic.

However...
I have not roll started a car in over 20 years. My mechanic says that the automatics are not so much of a repair issue these days. I'm not going to text or talk on the phone either way. I am COMPLETELY sick of shifting. I drive pretty slowly anyway, aiming towards safety and better mileage, so I don't need the enhanced performance. (I'm not implying you guys are unsafe - it's just safer for me...)

More important - last year I had an injury that meant I couldn't drive a standard for a few weeks. If our truck hadn't been an automatic, I couldn't have driven. This particular injury was related to degenerative damage which is certainly likely to act up again in the 10+ years that I hope to have this car.

So, yes, I'm getting old. And I'm pretty happy to do so. I already did the "young" thing and am ready for the next adventure. I've recently started hiking again and went for 8 hilly miles on both Saturday and Sunday. I loved it. But I don't feel the need for the challenge in my vehicle.

If you want a manual, get a manual. It's great for all the reasons stated. But if you want an automatic - go for it. The car is for you, not anybody else.


Rachael

 

I don't blame you for getting one and I hope I didn't come off as the type who would.

 

No, not at all.

I'm just pointing out that there are different goals for one's mini. And that getting old isn't so bad.

 

Well, those certainly are embarassing and inaccurate reasons to list for disliking automatics...

Once I had discovered just how inferior and wimpy I am, I had to add the JCW tuning kit and JCW suspension to my MCSa in order to trick the superior, ubercool manual drivers into being friends with me, but I don't think it's working.

One good thing though, is that the day I ordered my car I did sit inside of a BRG2 manual MCS, and instantly gained 3 levels and a +2 to my intelligence stat so not all is lost!

 

I’m on my third MINI, the first two were manuals and my current one is an automatic. I love it. It’s only the second automatic I have owned (the other I purchased in HS from my stepfather), I have a daily commute and the auto is great for that and if I desire I can shift using the paddle shifters.
I realize shifting an automatic isn’t the same as a manual, however shifting manually in an automatic suits me fine.

 

Don't the 2007's have the hill-holding feature? No need to use the handbrake when starting on a hill.

 

There's nothing like driving a manual in any car. An automatic just leaves you feeling disconnected with your vehicle, like the car is driving you instead of the other way around.

Besides, you get better gas mileage with the manual. =)

 

the choice between an automatic and manual transmission was a non-issue for me. when we first started investigating new vehicles, my wife stated right off the bat that any new car we chose MUST have a manual transmission. period. end of discussion.

just fine by moi.

 

If you ask the question in the title of this thread. Do yourself a favor and get an auto.

Otherwise, ALWAYS get a manual.

 

The main reason I drive a MINI is that it is fun to drive. Shifting the gears manually is half of that fun. If you are looking for something to sit in trafic, you should probably consider an automatic. If you are buying the car to drive it, it needs to be a stick.

 

I agree completely

 

That's actually how I was able to buy my MINI. Its original owner was a woman who bought the car for cash in 2004. But after many decades driving manual cars, an old tennis injury started making it difficult. She sold the car in favor of an automatic and I was able to pick up a very sweet little MINI because of it.

I wonder if the same thing will happen with my mommy and her V8 Vantage in a few years. If so I totally have dibs...

 

One question: I drive a manual Clubbie and, when I got the car, I was surprised to find out that Reverse is to the LEFT of first gear! Luckily, I'd driven a manual only once in my whole life at that point so it wasn't going to bother me. All other cars I've seen (5 and 6 speeds) had Reverse to the right of fifth gear. If I had bought a MINI in London, would Reverse be to the right of fifth because I'd be sitting on the other side of the car?

 

Did Mommy play rugby when she was younger? That would help.

 

To say that the automatic is "garbage" shows an opinion thats too one sided to be taken seriously

 

Meh....just shows I have a strong opinion.
http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/08/...ng-the-manual/

 

There are very few drivers who can really drive a manual.......get an automatic....the MINI auto is pretty amazing especially in sports mode with manual shift availability.....

 

There's a fine line between a strong opinion and condescending arrogance. One of the two is a recurring motif in your body of work.

I ordered an automatic because it's what I wanted, similar to your choice for a manual. I respect your choice and hope you enjoy it. Therefore, if you could check your negativity and name calling at the door, I'm sure we will all enjoy motoring smoothly without so many potholes in our way.
J