I just got a 2011 MCSa and love it, was planning to get a manual (had many in the past) but wife said Auto so she was comfortable driving it too, so I went with that. It's not a life-or-death decision, I've found the Auto to be plenty of fun with the paddle shifters and learning to use what it gives you to maximize cornering performance. It's certainly more convenient when just motoring around in traffic. If I was going to race I'd get a manual for the last little bit of control.

 

Yeah, it's a shame this topic always gets hostile. Bottom line is it's your car, get what you want. Personally I'd never buy an auto, but thats because manual suits my taste and driving style, as well as the circumstances that I drive in. The fact is most people in the US buy auto, so MINI had better keep making them to keep the brand afloat!

That said, I urge anyone who leans towards an auto just because they're skittish about learning stick to not let that be the deciding factor. I think it's wise to know both options before picking one. Anyone can learn to drive stick.

 

I hope I didn't sound hostile! Or that I thought automatics were only for old people such as myself.

Sometimes humor gets lost in written communications.

 

 

I am an MT type and have driven my daughter's Auto alot. For me, the auto sucks as much as all autos do. Blah, blah, blah.

 

Let me guess, all your other cars were Japanese.

It's an European thing. All BMWs are too the left.

 

The left reverse position is what I dislike most about the car. If they can move the seat, they should adjust the transmission also.

 

I've driven different cars with reverse in different positions in the shift pattern and have never had a problem once I got used to it. I guess all else being equal, having reverse next to first makes sense.

 

That's an interesting question - I've always thought that the transmission would be the same regardless of which side the steering wheel was on. So in a right-hand drive MINI, you would be gradually working the gearshift towards you as you went from 1st through 6th, rather than away from you.

Can anyone who's driven a RHD MINI confirm or deny this?

 

Reverse is in the exact same place on a UK spec MINI, you just sit on the other side of the stick.

 

The do not change the shift pattern on rhd drive cars. All the gears are in the same position. Suprisingly there is a standard of how this is set up. So if you owned a Japanese or European car that is a RHD 1st gear would still be on the left.

 

I cannot STAND automatic transmissions. The delay between giving it throttle and it downshifting drives me nuts. Having a sporty car and putting an automatic trans in it is like having an athlete trying to do things on crutches. I will never own an auto trans...ever.

 

Test drive both, you will quickly see that a manual is much more enjoyable to drive.

 

I did, I liked the auto box better!

Dave

 

You'll eat your words...one day....

 

******I really don't think anyone wanted to make you "MAD"********

 

I don't think ANY car company does that. The Honda Jazz/Fit for example has the same shift pattern in the UK and the US-- reverse on the right. It isn't that MINI is wrong, is that you are used to a different pattern. BMW, for example, has been using the left-side reverse for as far back as they've had the gear shift on the floor. As far as I am concerned, as a person of BMW upbringing, reverse on the left is proper, reverse on the right is abnormal and strange. It makes a lot more sense to move the lever a little left of first than to go all the way over then all the way back.

 

I have both and honestly I prefer the auto. Maybe I am lazy, it is just easier. I feel safer driving it and more relaxed. The manual is a blast and lots of fun but on my daily commute it can get a little old. I would spend the extra $1250 for an auto. I have driven tons of other autos and this one has been the best so far.

 

I love driving my Mini with a passion and have an automatic. (I can drive manual with no problem) It's all preference. You should go with what you are comfortable with.

 

A turbo with an automatic is like a 747 with a kick-stand.

 

I guess those of you who are challenged by the automatic should just stick with the manual...

 

yeah, I used to feel the exact same way. Now I'm old and also tired of driving in Miami stop n stop rush hour traffic with a stick so my last two cars have been auto....after saying for years that I would never own an auto trans....ever.

 

I never get tired of sawing through the gears. On an S model or JCW, my opinion is that if you're going to get an automatic, you might as well just get a standard Mini.

 

I love Manual. I've never owned a car without a manual. I've had several automatic trucks, but thats different.

I had the option to get DCT (dual clutch gearbox) on my M3, but didnt want it. Sure its faster, but its not as fun.

 

Really some of these arguments are just starting to to become borderline stupid. Look I am sure this is going to **** off a bunch of people but, oh well. There is a reason race cars are manual. It is because you have more control over the vehicle. There is nothing you can do to prove otherwise. Paddle shifters are a lame attempt to make you feel like you are in control but sadly you are not because the big brother (automatic) will change gears if you don't. Maybe they are great in stop and go traffic but when you need to put the power down onto the pavement in a turn or even pass someone there is nothing better then a manual.