Hi,

I had the fortune today of picking up an MCSa loaner from my dealer! I was quite excited to drive this car that has sparked some controversy and made some manual purists (like myself) cringe.

Since this will be a short, perspective piece, let's share my perspective: I have never owned nor do I plan to own an automatic car. I just don't like it. I understand it is a necessity for some, it just isn't for me. I refuse, however, to judge people on what type of transmission they choose for their cars; I feel like we all have to get beyond that at some point.

Ok, here goes: (expect lots of repetition from other similar posts)

The first thing I noticed was that this car is noticably slower than my 05 6sp. I started right out in manual mode just to use the fun paddles, and they ARE fun. Shifts are not amazingly fast, but they are much better than any other BMW auto-sticks I've ever driven. I found the downshifts are better than the upshifts, eventhough the revs don't get matched for you.

The second thing that I noticed is that the car does sound different, more docile.

The third thing I noticed was that it really was great fun to be shifting with the paddles and playing on twisty roads! Many have said it before, and now I believe it: this is the MCS of automatics, they did it and made it fun. After about 100 miles, I forgot about the lost power and the car now feels just as quick in every gear except 5 and 6. Please note that I spent basically all of my time driving this car in Manual mode, not Drive or SportDrive.

Will I ever own a similar car with a similar transmission? No. Would I trade my car for it? No. Would I recommend someone buy it if either tranny is a real option? Prolly not. BUT if you need an auto, if auto is just your style, this thing is pretty damn cool!

I commend all those out there who had the foresight to know and trust MINI in their venture into autodom. Lots of people ordered this car without a proper test drive, and they ended up with a great ride.

mb

 

Im a lamb hater... just can't stand lamb chops, lamb steaks, lamb...

but the RoganJosh is a very nice entre' and was surprised it had
lamb!! everyone's getting a bargain.

 

Nice write-up!

I don't look down on people who drive automatics, but my biggest gripe with the prominence of automatic transmission vehicles in the United States is that sooooo many people decide that it gives them license to "multitask" when they should be paying attention to the road and traffic conditions. Bonus points to the MCSa for making driving a fun experience. Perhaps it'll cause more people to consider learning how to drive a stick if they are physically able, and make driving an experience in itself instead of simply a means of transportation.

 

I almost got a manual which would have meant forcing myself to learn a stick, but thank God for the auto....I can have some of the best of both worlds--the convenience of the auto with just enough manual fun to feel like I'm in a video game. Which goes great with the MINI's PS2 steering wheel controls.

 

Well I originally owned an 02 MCS, I now have an 05 MCc, and on order I've got an 05 MCSa. I love driving a stick, I think you get a better feel for the car but the fact is, my daily commute is 1 hour/1 way in bumper to bumper traffic. While the stick is fun to drive, the auto will allow me to have the fun and not the stress of driving a stick in traffic.

 

I have a 1 hour 1 way too... but only half my commute is in traffic. The other half, country roads... i just couldn't get an automatic... even if it's a pain to ride the clutch for a while.

and i agree about the people buying autos to multitask... as i posted recently, the guy who said "i can drive the heck out of a stick, but i'd much rather relax" ugh.

 

I drive the MCS05 every chance I get except when I know it's going to be bumper to bumper. Then I take my wifes A4 automatic. I turn the radio up to stay awake. The stick is what makes the MINI fun to drive. On the other hand most people would rather be a passenger in an automatic then a stick.

 

mbcoops: "I refuse, however, to judge people on what type of transmission they choose for their cars; I feel like we all have to get beyond that at some point."

It makes me smile so big when someone makes so much sense. I commend you on this attribute as many people (though I find that at large the MINI community is mostly accepting when you are enthused by your car and not just getting it because it is "popular") do not share this. Not that you don't have an oppinion on the subject one way or the other, but that you are willing to accept and acknowledge the oppinions of others even when those oppinions differ from your own.:smile: