Hey all,

We're considering a change from the clubby s and really like the look and feel of the cooper hard top, we drove one last night and it didn't seem too underpowered but that the tranny was hunting around for the right gear. Maybe it's because I haven't driven an auto in a couple years but if people wouldn't mind giving their thoughts on non-turbo with auto trans, it would be much appreciated!

I know going from an "s" we're def noticing the power difference but I'm more into my motorbikes and less in need or want the high performance....

We were initially thinking countryman but the base was quite underpowered.

Thanks!

 

I've driven a friends MINI-auto and noticed the same--the car does'nt have enough power---or RPM's to hold it in the gears around town !!!!

 

Had a loaner 1 while mine was at the dealer and the auto didn't seem too much slower than my base 6spd.

 

I'm wondering if it's mostly the auto trans and how it isn't always in the best gear so it pauses a sec then down shifts etc... maybe just somethin to get used to?

 

I've driven a couple of auto trans loaners and the only problem I noticed was that the shifts were jerky in the sport mode. In normal mode I didn't notice much difference from my justa. The MINI even in the S or JCW version is just not a fast car. If you're looking for speed, look elsewhere.

 

Good to hear, I never put it into sport and re: the speed, as I mentioned at the top of the post:

"I know going from an "s" we're def noticing the power difference but I'm more into my motorbikes and less in need or want the high performance...."

 

I really don't like the auto trans that they put in the MINI. It shifts to rough when it does shift gears and it wants to drag out the gears way too long.

 

Like you, I am also a "bike guy" which is why I let my wife pick/choose what worked for her: an auto justa clubbie.

With that said, what does your wife have to say about a non-S auto?

 

She thought it was fine but noticed that you had to floor it to make sure you got the power needed for a highway entry. That said, it wasn't because the car was under powered but to me, it seemed like it just took its time determining the most appropriate gear... Hope I'm describing this properly

Wondering again if it's more the auto trans that's throwing me off and not the power-weight.

I drove our friends Honda Ridgeline auto (don't flame me ) and the transmission was so smooth you didn't think about it. fwiw

 

I think I know what you're describing ....I say this because the lag/hunting, etc. goes away when I hit the SPORT button

BTW, I have zero problems with shifting or power delivery with this

 

We have the nonS auto (2010) and stay in auto when interested in fuel economy. Any time I want a little extra zip I just slip the lever over into Sport. If I want to control my time in gear or max out performance I row the lever up and down thru the gears. Even in Autocross it's plenty fast for me.

 

BINGO!!

You have to play with the Sport button and the Steptronic, to really give the car a chance.

If you need a quick burst, hit the Sport button, it eliminates the lag time.

But you get used to the lag for regular driving, and begin to compensate for it, learning when to give it a push and how far. It's weird at first, though. Just don't be afraid of giving it some gas.

 

You hit the nail on the head! I do have an S, but I agree 100%. With any MINI, I think you have to get used to the Steptronic, as it's a totally different experience than any other automatic I've driven. Gotta know when to punch it, that's all!

 

No doubt! Beautiful bike

 

Thank you for the feedback, it's very helpful! I plan to try the sport button out on the next drive but that makes total sense. We're averaging 31 mpg in our clubman s manual - what should we expect with a justa hardtop auto?

 

Nice booosa

At the moment, I have a restored and modded 70's bmw and a ducati monster 1100s...

 

I have an 09 Justa. I decided against the "S" simply because the Justa was quick enough and overall the non turbo seems to be more reliable. Of course, in a straight line the "S" is a much faster car. But cornering, handling, the Justa is a fine Mini. I think 90% of the time, driving in town, the Justa does the job just fine and just as fun as the S.

I'm averaging 33.2 miles per gallon. I have 23,000 miles on it.

Often, when a light turns green, not flooring it, I seem to be well in front of the car along side. Yes there are times where you have to step on the gas where the S would have that extra power, but for me the Justa has been just fine.

 

Ok people, we brought this '13 ice blue w/white justa auto trans home tonight. Had the holey wheels fitted swapping from another car on the lot. what a nice car this is... and the ride w/o run flats is quieter and less harsh. Thanks to everyone for the recommendation of the sport button to get the shifting to be more responsive - that works! Appreciate all the feedback overall, many thanks...

obligatory pics

 

Great looking car, the ice blue is a classy looking color. Enjoy the new ride!

 

congrats on the new Mini. BTW, very jealous at the beemer and duck in your stable

 

Thank you guys!

wish I was riding them kromdom, spring will be here soon enough I suppose. I appreciate the kind words, cheers.

 

Love the 7-holes, they're the best 15s

 

I have a 2008 non-S hardtop with an automatic and the Sport Button. I also have a Sprint Booster and I can say, I almost never wish for more power. I feel the transmission is amazing keeping the car in its power band and making the best of its 116 hp. I have a few 400+ hp cars, and this car keeps me happy. I average 33 mpg and hit an all time high of 37.5. No regrets.

 

Very nice!!

If you have a newer model (11+ think) You get the added bonus of a few more ponies. 121 HP! w00t!

 

I had a Justa auto, and traded it for an MCS auto. What I think the biggest issue for me to get used to was the delay in throttle response. With the delay, you end up pushing the pedal harder, which then results in overly aggressive shifts. You may want to see if the sport button helps you because of the change in throttle response, or the change in trans programming. If it is the throttle response that is the issue, there is a sprint booster that can correct this for you for about $300.

Nice looking car, enjoy it.

Mike

PS, I was getting 38-39 mpg with the Justa, I get 29-30 with my MCS.