Hello All,

This will be my first Mini, our budget it's $15K, and we are looking for a 2012+ Mini with no more than 40K miles. (Base model will be ok)

My wife prefers the auto trans, I would like to get the manual trans. She knows how to drive manual transmission anyway (but feels more comfortable using the Auto). We will share the car during the week.

I'm trying to convince myself buying a manual, and convince my wife that its a better option for a used car.

My question is: How reliable is the Mini Auto transmission?, How long can I expect driving the car without major problems (With proper maintenance)?

Same for the Manual.

What would be your suggestion owners?

Thanks

 

Both the transmissions in the 2nd-gen MINI seem to be pretty robust. Some clutches seem to wear out pretty quickly, some take a lot longer. Automatics are somewhat more maintenance-intensive, and more complex, so they can have some quite odd problems on rare occasions.

I personally cannot stand automatic transmissions, especially the traditional torque-converter automatics--I feel they sap performance and take control out of my hands. But they seem to hold up well in the MINI, particularly the base model with less power and torque to put stress on the parts.

 

Personally, a manual is the only way to go on a MINI. It's such a compact controllable vehicle that the manual is that much more engaging and fun to drive. Sure driving an auto takes away the burden going through traffic, but the manual is just so much more fun rowing through the gears or when you wanna be a maniac and you heel-toe through a large on/offramp on the freeway, it's just so fun.

I drive 30+ miles one way in LA traffic, so yes I know what it means to sit through and constantly go 1, neutral, 1 neutral all the way to work and until my knee gives out, I'll always choose 3 pedals over 2.

 

Auto vs. manual is greater than or equal to - marriage harmony!

 

+1 on driving vs sitting in stop and go ...

Auto if you sit in traffic both ways to and from work...

Manual if like me you don't mind driving 50+ miles out of the way to avoid traffic and rather spend the time on secondary roads...

Motor on!

(I own 5 cars, all manual).

 

For what it's worth, '12 MCS here with AT. Have about 43k miles, zero problems with the AT.

 

Manual, they cost less to repair and more reliable. Plus they get better mileage and more fun.

 

Unless your someone who is going to maintain the auto tranny just stay away from them. I would never own an auto, especially a MINI, it's part of the experience and joys of diving one.

 

WayMotorWorks basically stole the words right out of my mouth. The cost of having to buy an AT transmission should anything go wrong is too steep and a decision maker when it comes to fixing or junking your Mini. With that said Mini advertised that the transmission oil is "lifetime" meaning your never need to change it, some of us know better. Mini now sells the proper transmission oil at the parts counter, that pretty much exposes the real truth!

 

I have a 2015 Roadster S with the manual tranny. Had I it to do over, I would go for the automatic transmission, even though I prefer a stick. The engine tuning on my car sucks so bad when it comes to starting from a stop, that it really takes the joy out of it. In order to keep it from stalling I have to rev the engine above 2000 rpm and slip the clutch way too much, keeping the revs high until I'm well under way. I suspect that this is why a lot of the clutches wear out prematurely. Since it's a closed loop FI system, it must just be incompetent programming.

 

Were did you get that ? Manuals have diff gear ratios and turn more rpm in top gear.

 

I drive a highly modded 2013 JCW with an auto & would NOT have it any other way. Check into how you can really use the paddles & SPORT etc then you might change your mind.


ISAMIN

 

You need to learn to push the sport button, or better yet, get the FES AutoSport module... With the AutoSport, you don't have to push the button, it just goes there when you start the car. It's the way it should have come...


Mini's are almost impossible to drive from a stop in normal mode.

 

What tune you running? Never heard of a tune performing the way you describe, go Manic.

 

You guys make autos seems like they all break down so quickly or something. I don't really hear much issues about the automatics. How often do they need repairs? I doubt that's much of an issue compared to us manual guys who have to deal with replacing the clutch at some point in their lifetime. Whether it's diff fluid flush or anything of that nature, at the end of the day something will wear out and need replacing.

No need to scare OP away with automatic woes. Manuals get my vote, but it's whatever floats your boat!

 

I cannot drive any r56+ mini without pressing the sport button first or I stall it over and over and over

stall = reminder that I need to push sport button

 

Whatever tune it came with. I haven't made any modifications. If there is something I can do, or have someone do, to fix this, by all means please point me in the right direction. Who do I call? Where do I go?

 

FES was installed immediately when I purchased my MINI. It's the one thing that's simple to do on your own, but $50 isn't a lot when it's peace of mind to just get in and start driving.

 

It's a double edge sword, the clutch is still far cheaper than getting another transmission. I do acknowledge I have biased opinions about automatics and perhaps it's the negative remarks all over the net regarding lawsuits of previous 1st & 2nd Gen models, the lifetime transmission intervals set by Mini make me heavily bias. However if the OP decides on getting an AT, have it thoroughly checked out by a third party competent Mini specialist before you buy! Also test drive it hard full WOT to see how it behaves under stress, this will show problems if there are any. If OP buys change the trans oil (right away!) often, every 20,000 - 30,000 miles.

It's a base model Mini AT transmission, it is not under the same loads as the model S which in my opinion is a plus.

 

But who are you kidding though? How often are people jumping on here saying "AHHH My transmission is shot!!"? I'm biased for a manual because I have manuals, but a good automatic can be welcoming at times as well.

If every person jumped on the boards, you'd think it's scare people away from Audi's for their electrical issues, or BMW's with their HPFP issues (now solved) or MINI's with their timing chain issues? No.

I don't know where I'm going with all this, but either way, an automatic isn't going to be a money pit like it seems this thread makes them seem to be. Maybe I'm not on here enough anymore or something, but I don't see too many automatics complaining about issues...

 

First off, it's common knowledge manuals get better mpg, don't know what else to say to that. And how many people are on here complaining about bad trannys? Ugh... Have you ever seen the r53 section? People have failed autos every other day.

 

Clearly the OP is referring to a R56

 

I would drive both and be realistic about the traffic you'll be in. I have owned both manual and automatics. I bought a used '13 S, auto with paddle shifters two years ago. I have to admit I enjoy it more than I expected. I was planning on getting a manual. I used to do a lot of city driving, and admit, having the auto made it much easier. The paddle shifters are a blast to down shift on ramps and sharp turns.
I will probably get a manual next time, because I want one, not because I'm not satisfied with the automatic.

 

Autos are faster than manuals , have been for a long time. Computer can shift gears in a auto much faster than any human can.

 

some auto's are, and are better at selecting which gear to be in, the auto's bmw puts in the n54 cars comes to mind

but not all autos are built the same, most I hate