Originally Posted by Brakefade

Well when I have to downshift I'm rev-matching every time. Either by blipping the throttle and downshifting, or heel-toeing. And like others pointed out, I also use engine braking to make minor adjustments to my speed, so no wear on the clutch on those instances.

I personally don't like the idea of coasting. With the engine and tranny engaged in the right gear I feel like I have way more control over the car.

My current car is a 5 speed, so this is one typical way I use engine braking. Going on the hwy in 5th and I'm approaching my exit, I'll usually rev-match to 4th just as I entered the exit lane. Then I'll either heel-toe to 3rd or 2nd, depending on the speed posted, and let the engine braking help maintain my speed as my going downhill.

The reason I asked this question is because in the street I see a lot of people who don't rev-match anything. I can hear them pop the clutch and coast through turns and other stuff where I would normally either leave the tranny in the same gear or downshift by rev-matching or heel-toeing. So I was wondering if maybe there's something wrong with my driving style that I should fix before I get my Mini.

Also, I never downshift and use engine braking to bring the car to a stop. I'll either use engine braking to make minor speed adjustments, maintain a steady speed (downhill roads), or combined with the brakes (ie heel-toe). When coming to a stop I'll press the brake pedal, I'll leave the tranny engaged in the same gear I was in, then when the tach shows 1.5K RPM I'll pop it into neutral and finish braking.

Originally Posted by prime-drk-

you are doing just fine. Overall using the engine to slow your car down is not a horrible for it... However, it is not doing the car favors. The thing to avoid is the burble habit that many many mini owners have of using the engine to slow the car in all forms. This habit is what will cause your car un-necessary wear.