I'm kind of puzzled by the question since my dealer didn't have any cars that had the options I wanted, so I ordered mine. Just finding one with a sunroof was tough. I got the impression that they stock the inventory with vehicles that have the most popular options, and figure we'll order what we want.

 

In general, attributing to the overall argument of auto vs manual. The direction of the thread didn't seem strictly MINI auto vs manual to me. I'm just saying the tech is out there. It's only a matter of time before costs come down enough and everyone has it. I mean, look at the Mazda Skyactiv 6 speed auto. Pretty cool tech.

I'm almost positive next gen MINIs will be more efficient with auto transmissions too, as I think they're getting at least 8 speeds. That being said, I hate driving automatic transmissions and will use 3 pedals until I'm physically unable to. I never test drove an automatic MINI so I can't speak to that. I test drove BMW's DCT though and was not remotely swayed.

 

Reading my first post, I remember what I was getting at now. It was explaining why manual drivers are so hostile towards automatics. I wasn't really saying anything specifically towards MINI manual vs auto.

Also, let's get this straight. I'm probably one of the most avid manual drivers out there. I converted my wife, who only drove automatics before she met me. We have 3 cars, all manual. I've also taught friends how to drive stick at the cost of my own clutch, just to convince them their next car should be a manual. How many of you can say that?!

In general arguments need to shift away from "autos are slower and less efficient", because pretty soon that will be untrue across the board.

 

I've owned 3 manuals and 1 slushie (Aisin) that was babied and it shat the bed... out of my 3 sticks I've only changed 1 clutch and that was @ 298k on the OEM honda clutch, that being said autos suck and I will never own another.

 

I'm with ya!
Keep your automatic, CVT, or flappy-paddle gearbox (semi-automatic) transmission, but a dual-clutch transmission system may excite me. I seen some that even blip the throttle upon downshift to match whatever RPMs you're at!!! But until MINI sources one, make mine a "Stick" please (in a "Snobby" voice) But I also get it, if I had to deal with daily traffic a slushbox in the appliance would be my call too. Maybe a Goodwood if I win the MegaMillions.

The truth is though that a manual transmission on a desolate winding mountain road gives you an certain tingle that is unobtainable in any slushbox. It increases the aura of what "a driver's car" means ten fold, from the mechanical sound of the shift, the throttle blips of a heel toe shift, to the visceral sound of hitting the redline limiter while you gently slam into the next gear in one fast smooth motion. Manual transmission engages the driver in the ride, it demands the driver be part of the ride, involved in the act of driving. It brings both car and driver as one in a chaotic interpretive dance, feet moving in coordination from throttle, clutch and brakes while your arms gracefully hammers through the gears and give precise steering inputs. There is nothing like it.

 

First off I have to sat that the title of this thread has to be off at least in the So Cal area. I do not see it even being 50% , perhaps its the great roads we have to play on
As for auto verses stick I am still enjoying the sequential system which we phased out a couple of years ago. To me it is the best of all worlds as you still use the clutch , heel and toe , downshift, throttle all of the " driving " part of the car but I can either use the paddles or the " bump " stick to make the shifts . The good part is making faster shifts than normally possible and more importantly not missing one I wish we could have kept the price point in the " mini " way of thinking but it just wasn't to be .
That being said my daily driver is a automatic, the 405 Fwy really sucks !

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

I just picked up my MINI last night... so I asked it of my dealership, and he said each dealership is different, but they had a 50% ratio of manuals to automatics. And for the most part I see 50/50 of available MINI's on the lot and in their inventory search.

 

Congrats on your new MINI. Good color choice. You have excellent taste.

 

I've been driving my MINI for almost 6 years now, and never I did want it to be anything, but a manual. That being said though, if BMW made a Dual-Clutch tranny for the next-gen MINIs, I'd definitely be interested to check one out.

And if that were to happen, you'll get the same Porsche Manual vs. PDK debate all over again, but with MINIs.

 

Oh lord, that again. I always figured that Panorama was trying to stir up controversy with those articles.

As I've said earlier, I've driven the PDK and it is neat. It is faster, easier, no less efficient than a manual transmission. But I wanted that third pedal--so I won't be getting a PDK while I can still drive stick.

 

I read both those issues from Panorama, which a good neighbor of mine let borrow. (Has a 1981 911 SC) Needless to say, it was a very interesting read, and it was cool to hear people from both sides about it.

Next up in Panorama I imagine: Hydraulic vs Electric assisted steering.

 

Anyone who thinks that an automatic provides more control, or is more fun to drive does not know how to drive a manual transmission.

 

The same could be said for people who drive manuals...who cares. Anyone that puts others down for whether they drive automatic or manual is honestly stupid in my eyes. Sorry for being brutal but it is the truth. How many more times are we going to hear this garbage. It's a car, enjoy it whether you drive automatic or manual.

 

I've owned 4 automatics and driven lots of others. Now I have a MCS 6 speed and I don't think I'll go back. I have always loved driving, and with the manual box I feel more involved in the process. Call me a control freak but I like that I decide when to change gear, not the computer or coven of witches or whatever controls an automatic transmission. I like not just being along for the ride.

+1 to howsoonisnow1985. Eloquently put my friend.

 

Understand, my next MINI will be a manual so my girlfriend can drive her MINI(automatic). I test drove the coupe S and it was a manual, too much fun on corners😛