Doing some preliminary exploring... I may be switching jobs soon that will put me in a daily I-5 commute. Not really thrilled about 1 hour of stop and go with a manual transmission, so looking for automatic options.

Talk to me about Gen 3 S models-is the automatic transmission reliable? Any funky engine/maintenance issues I should be aware of? Anything that would make one a bad choice for a commuter car?

 

I love my 2015 f55. Top motor mount is a known fault. Other than that I've not had many issues. I think ive got an exhaust leak or turbo issue just came up today. Also parts cost more than R-series. And the F55 4 door parts cost usually $100 more than the 2 door for parts or upgrades. Lol

 

Gen 3 S model is solid. No issues to report. Go for it.

 

I'd also look into the SE depending on how many miles you're going each way.

 

I have been! I really would like to go the EV route, and think the range will be sufficient, but definitely need to do more research.

Mainly hoping to get more info on the automatic transmission with this post. When I started researching MINIs a few years ago, I was not even interested in an AT, but picked up a strong vibe that at least in the 1st Gen cars it was not a good choice. I have the impression that it's been improved (at least since the advent of the N18 engine?) but am looking for real-world feedback.