Let me first say I'm not new to MINI's at all. I've been around the block haha.

Anyways, looking to finally get back into one. I found a used '06 MCSa. It's actually fairly loaded and is a steal in terms of pricing. Only issue I have is that it's at 73k miles. I wouldn't even worry about that if it was a manual. It's not though its an automatic.

I'm a pretty good mechanic. I've done plenty of work on R50/R53's, not to mention a ton of other vehicles. So repairs to the car overall don't scare nor bother me one bit. My worry is the automatic transmission. Lets face it no mater how good of a backyard mechanic you are re-building a modern automatic transmission isn't something one can tackle.

I've read up on the Aisin 6-speed and it does seem impressive and a lot more reliable than the CVT of the older 1st. Gens. My worry is I don't see a lot of automatic Mini's mentioned. Ive looked through all the high mileage threads, ect. Most all of them with over 100k are all manuals.

I would get a manual, but I'm kind of tired of driving a stick all the time. My two other cars are both stick shift. My past 3 other cars have been as well.

I guess I'm not really looking for advice as much as Im seeking some reassurance. Surely someone out there has a high mileage MCSa that can chime in.

Thanks Guys.

 

03 with 103K miles and runs like a brahma bull.

But manual tranny. CVT as you know has issues....

 

The Assin (? on spelling) is pretty well respected...it is totally unrelated to the CVT on the R50.
The 06 is a great build...the cream of the crop for gen1 hardtops.
If you don't like the auto...I bet you can wait for a stick...but with so many folks learning to drive sticks, many MINI's with sticks have been beat too....as long as it is a "S", both trannys IMO are good.
The auto will not win any awards like the DSG's for speed, but not too many folk bash it either.
The tranny was only available for a few years...I think it was introduced in builds starting Jan 2005....so you will not find many folks with super high miles....

 

I haven't heard any horror stories about the auto - I wouldn't be apprehensive at all about getting one. Welcome back!

 

I believe my spelling was correct, Aisin. I'm aware that it's not related to the early MC's. Like I said I've been around the block with a few MINI's in my past. I was actually saying in my post I prefer the Auto. Since my Gti and M3 are stick shift. It's hard to compare any Automatic to a twin-clutch system like DCT or DSG. I'm aware of that as well. I do agree that both transmissions are good. But, my concern was with a manual a clutch is a relativity simple item to replace. As where the Automatic is a much more tedious task. I'm sure someone has to have a high mileage 05-06. DSG was introduced to the North American market in the MKV Gti in mid year 2006. A lot of folks on the forums have well over 100k on some of their DSG's. So Im holding out hope someone with a high mileage Aisin is out there.

I had a manual R50. Thing went through 2 midlands gearboxes within its lifetime. Other than that it was great.

Same here. Hoping I can keep it that way! and Thanks!