Guess I was lucky in that my order came in 100% correct. I also got the manual tranny and the ONLY transmission I would ever drive aside from stick is the Audi DSG; essentially an automatically-shifted manual. Anyway, please let me (or us) know your experiences with the NAV system. I got it, too, and love it aside from the fast that the guidance (directions) lag behind the actual vehicle position as indicated on the map. Hopefully this is happening to more than just me and that they'll fix it soon in a NAV system firmware update.

Enjoy the ride - I switched over to my new 2006 MCS from an Audi TT (2001 QC) and don't regret it for a second!

 

The only time I have regretted manual transmission is now...I am in a sling and my hubby is driving me to and from in my mini. (his car is manual too) He is loving it but I am having a hard time watching someone else drive Jack!

Honestly I agree though with folks who have written you should get what you ordered, just because I prefer a manual does not make it so for you!

 

I'm sorry, I must have misread the initial post.

I thought the post was seeking advice on opinions of the manual transmission. Resale and drivability etc...

Of course, you should get what you want. That is the primary issue.

 

I have a 2002 manual and my 2006 on order is auto.I love it either way.The main reason was so my wife can drive it but also the auto will slow me down a little.I find my self always speeding with a manual.Also the auto will be better on gas mileage and propably last longer due to working less than the manual.The auto model will run 90-100 mph at around 3K rpm where the manual will run around 4K rpm and when you drive mostly highway about 120 miles a day commute is important.The car just sounds loud like it is working hard when you drive it 90-100 mph.
MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL:Get what you really want,not what they offer you:smile:

 

Since this is clearly the fault of your dealer/MINI I think they should be REALLY willing to work with you here. I'd demand that they re-order the car the way you want it and provide you with a loaner MINI from the time the first car arrives until the second does. This is NOT a small deal. this is a major part of the car. what if you were handicapped and couldn't drive stick? I would settle for nothing less than a MINI loaner... go all the way up with MINIUSA if you have to.

 

I would expect to get what I ordered. The dealer I ordered from actually had just the car I wanted except for the transmission. They had a 2005 with the CVT. I went there knowing what they had in stock. I did want to try the CVT. I drove it first, followed by the manual, then the manual S. I have been driving automatics since 1980. I perferred the manual. You should get them to loan you one for a few days if you are unsure.

 

Make your life easier and have more $$$$ for Gasoline Give up smoking!

Bluetooth?

 

90 -100 mph??!! During your commute??!! in Maryland??!!

Lordy, Please somebody take away this guy's driving privileges before he kills someone.

 

Nice MINI!

I don't live in Cleveland, but I travel there often to visit friends who do live there. (Yes, Browns fans and Steeler fans can get along under certain circumstances ) The traffic didn't seem to be that bad. Plus, there are virtually no hills, and the MINI's clutch is really rather light. I think this may turn out to be a happy accident for you.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

From one week 40'er to another, I'm really bummed that your MINI didn't turn out the way you spec'd it.

 

Sorry it didnt turn out as planned but i couldnt imagine driving a MINI without a manual. The auto take a lot out of the car. Besides when you are shifting you are completely immersed in the process.... thats what motoring is all about.

I am sure you will love it! Happy Motoring

 

Why do the bashers always have to come out - have you even spent any decent seat time in an auto MCS or CVT MC? People can at least state things as an opinion and put it in context. Having driven both the stick and auto MCS my opinion is that it takes nothing out of the fun of the car beyond making it much nicer to drive and park on the crowded hills of San Francisco - and I am just as involved in the shifting and performance of the car, just w/o a clutch (as I was when driving cars equipped with sequential manual trannys).

The funny part about the whole manual vs stick thing is that there are plenty of bad stick drivers out there if you look around, parking poorly, rolling a lot/not controlling it, and even slower then the alternative or with abused clutches that will need early replacement, etc. Apparently, from what you see on the roads, there are people that should not be 'completely immersed in the process' of shifting/clutching and should be able to focus on interacting with traffic and other aspects of driving. Its just something to consider before recommending it to everyone because it can be 'fun'.

Anyway, I still say just be sure you get what you want and what you will be comfortable with. If the error is the fault of the dealer I do think they should provide you with a loaner in the interim if you need to re-order the car. Best of luck, when you get it you'll love it no doubt

 

In the very least I would think you should get a fairly high labor accessory like the clear bra set or maybe even aero kit installed free. I just think this is such a major oversight that the dealership should be bending over backwards to keep you as a customer. I'd try the clear bra first... it couldn't cost them more than 100 in parts and the labor they can absorb.

 

I'm totally biased toward manual transmissions. As many have already stated, they make the driver more involved and improve performance. For me, shifting is fun, not a chore. Even in heavy traffic, I've never minded shifting manually. Many others obviously feel differently, hence the popularity of automatics.

Try it for yourself, your opinion is all that really matters. And, you won't be stuck either way; you'll have no problems finding a buyer for a car spec'd like yours.

 

haha exactly lizzybobio! Except you forgot drink, read the newspaper and yell at your kids in the back seat too. I had a lady behind me that was driving behind me with her butt in the air because she kept reaching behind to her toddler in the backseat.

That made me SO nervous. We SO need to develop autopilot cars for parents. It would save so many lives and more importantly babies. Hey it's not their fault their parents are idiots.

--pyratio

 

sounds like the car they just got in...here, i got a pic....



this the one? first space blue ive ever seen at classic before....

 

eVal - your points are completely valid. A manual transmission is not a perfect fit for every driver, just like an automatic transmission is not a perfect fit for every driver. Different strokes for different folks.

 

I understand you may be defensive from past discussions or arguments but there is no reason to be here. I am not a basher and I have spent some good time behind the wheel of both auto and was thouroughly disappointed... they are much better than most autos but nothing comes close to a manual.

That aside I dont think I really have to clarify any comment as being 'just my opinion' as by its very nature it is just my opinion. I just so happen to put a lot of stock into what my opinion is... as I am sure you do with yours :smile:

 

Sorry, and point taken; when people say something it is their opinion, of course - unless it is presented as a fact. I guess that when I read a generalizing statement like "The auto take a lot out of the car" or 'fire bad', 'blondes are dumb', etc without any info quantifying info it seems like a fact being presented and that begets a defense. If you had given it context ie 'I've driven x for this long and did this under these conditions and I prefer y because of ... ' I don't think I would have posted anything (unless it was just a test drive since I found the car/software is improved after having it awhile/breaking it in :smile.

As for my opinion, its pretty balanced I think its thought out and okay - but no matter what I always, always tell people to see/drive/feel something and judge for themselves since no two people are alike.

 

First, a message to RednWhiteCoooper...you must live in Cleveland? I was shocked when I saw that Space Blue Cooper you took a picture of! Sadly, it's not mine as it's a MCS & not a MC, which is what I ordered (of course, maybe they got that wrong too!). Where are you from? I was excited to see the picture & get another glimpse at the Space Blue color. Thank you for posting that. Maybe I should have you take pics of all the SB/B MC's that come in during the next day or two!

To the rest of you who posted a reply: What a great group of people you are! So glad I found this site (a couple months ago). Your responses were very helpful to me. I'm going to be doing some test driving in a manual & see what I think.

Though I got a free alarm & Illuminated Door Sills (anyone else got those?), I kind of wish I would have asked for some more little things, like a Euro Shelf, boot liner, etc. I don't want to be greedy, but geez, they did really goof on this one. Probably too late now to negotiate more stuff.

ASK MINI is saying that the car is at the port awaiting a shipping vessel, i.e., a truck I presume. I do wonder when it will arrive at Classic. Then how long till I can pick it up? The finance guy said I'll be driving it by Saturday. Really hope that's true.

I'd kind of think they would have called me today to give me an update or to apologize again or make sure I'll still take the car. It's what I would do if I were an MA (wish I were). Anyway, I continue to wait anxiously in more ways than one.

 

I don't think that it is too late at all for more negotiations. They REALLY screwed up, and it sounds like you were sort of blind sighted by it and had to make too quick of a decision. I HONESTLY think that they owe you more. You may hate driving a manual.

That dealer has a good reputation and they should know that they need to keep that. This is not the kind of thing they want to be known for.

I would have flipped my lid if this had happened, and I am not quick tempered.

Call them back.

 

jpsmini,

I grew up in Cleveland.....although my long suffering wife would probably tell you that I've yet to grow up. She just said you can take the boy out of Parma, but not the Parma out of the boy.

What a huge mistake!!! They should compensate you in some way. Seeing that you ordered a CVT I'm guessing that is what you really want. Take a long drive in some heavy traffic to see if you really want that 5 speed. If you don't really want the 5 speed I'd ask for a car off of the used car lot to drive while you wait for the correctly ordered car to come in. Even if you reorder I'd expect the dealer to give me something for all the trouble he's caused.

I ordered my MCS with a 6 speed. It's a third car for me & well a toy really. If I was going to fight traffic daily in it I might have gotten an auto. My daily driver is an automagic & it suits me just fine.

Good luck,

Chuck

 

after 20 years of driving auto transmissions I was amazed when I got in the MINI and took off without a problem on the manual tranny. I haven't stalled once, I talk on my cell phone a lot and once in 4th gear (35-50 mph) the instant fuel consumption (in the onboard computer) hovers around 45mpg. I love the engine braking as well. I lamented over ordering the manual tranny but did it because of the fuel economy and posts on NAM that recommended getting a manual - I'm glad I didn't get the auto.

 

I like in Chardon, its a bit northeast of Mentor.

Where are you from?

Just let me know if you want pics, i'm at Lexus everyday for my "Courtesy Wash" ( i know detailers at all the Classic dealers )

 

i don't like driving MT for commute, but if it was my only car i'll probably get a MT. :smile: