Take the time and get exactly what you want. I rushed into my Cooper for all the "bells and whistles," the fact I could have it NOW and they gave me a break on the price cause it was on the lot. 6 months later I find myself kicking my own **** and about to trade it in for a small loss on a MCS configured exactly how I want.

 

I'll second Donna- Get what you want.

From my experience owning both.... the MCSa is okay... the manual is amazing.

If you're looking to get a Cooper- then the CVT tranny is much nicer.

Good luck!

 

Take your time and get exactly what you want. New and used Mini's are out there. I personally like my manual but that's me. If you live in a city with a lot of lights and hills, you might consider the auto. I would certainly test drive one of each.

 

And likewise, I'd bet that many of those who choose an MCSa do so because they don't know HOW to drive a manual car, and are unwilling to learn. Steep learning curve at first, yes... but well worth it. I am not presuming you are in this category, but simply that "many" MCSa owners are.

I HAVE driven both. The MCSa has nowhere near as fluid, "one with the car" feeling as the manual. First and foremost is the fact that even in "manual" mode, the computer still makes decisions for you at WOT, and there are STILL delays in shifting... even though they are not as bad as many other automatics. I only want to shift when I say so... and when I do say so, I want it to shift RIGHT NOW. The traditional "slushbox" automatics simply can't keep up with immediate driver demands, and the MCSa falls into that category. IMO the ONLY "computer override" that should occur in "manual mode" is to prevent the driver from downshifting past the redline.

If BMW/MINI had opted for a DSG design, I am sure I'd be singing a different tune, but as it stands today, in my opinion (and don't we all have one), it's very clear in the "fun factor" department:

MCS > MCSa (significantly so)

True, a MINI is a MINI, is a MINI... and I am friends with a number of MCSa owners, and I know they are very happy with their choice. However, if I was to "win" an MCSa in a contest, I'd sell it ASAP and replace it with a manual... probably an MCC (since I already have an MCS hardtop, and for casual "cruising", the MCC would be nice).

However, I'll echo what others have said - it's definitely worth it to take your time and pick what YOU want, not what someone else ordered and has sitting on the lot... even if what YOU want is an automatic after all.

 

Yep - that's me. The last manual transmission I drove was on a five-ton truck in the Army. A thing not designed to endear one to the joys of shifting for oneself...

I've flipped back and forth on this, and I'd love to (re)learn manual shifting - but not on my own brand-new car (remember that steep learning curve? And clutches aren't cheap...). Between that and traffic from hell in the Atlanta metro, I decided to take the admittedly tamer route and get an MCS Automatic.

All that being said, I *do* plan to take some additional driving courses, and to re-learn driving a manual - but I'm perfectly happy with my current choice.

 

I'd just like to concur - order what you WANT. If you know that you'd absolutely prefer to have a manual, and you aren't NEEDING a car right now (like, your current car is totalled/dying/whatever), then order and wait. I personally ordered a MCa because I know that I hate driving a manual (not to mention that I suck at it), plus I drive in some of the worst traffic in the state of California on a daily basis. I refuse to feel "ashamed" I bought what was right for me.

Plus, I think the waiting actually enhances the overall MINI experience. Maybe I'm just nuts but I really do believe that!

 

Drive BOTH & the decision will be easy....manual

 

I've always had manual cars. My dad made me learn to how drive one when I turned 16, at the time I hated it because it took me a while to get the hang of it, but I've never gone back to an auto & probably never will. I think if you have a truck or an SUV or sedan then the auto is the right choice, but with a Mini it would be a shame to get the auto. It's a great feeling manual too, heavy but direct action, very mechanical feeling. Very different from my previous VW & Honda which both had smooth, light sticks. I live in downtown Philly & drive to Pottstown PA every day for work, about 50 miles each way, so even with heavy urban traffic I love the manual, which is saying something.

 

It used to be that an MCS wasn't even offered in an automatic. Like someone before me said, this car just screams "drive me" and to appreciate the full driving experience, the manual is the way to go.

Wait, get the manual with the color that you want, the features that you want, and then you will REALLY look forward to spring. Besides, for me, ordering my car and waiting for it to be built, and watching the progress through the factory and knowing what ship it was on, and tracking his progress the whole way through was an experience I am grateful for! As opposed to just picking him off the lot with some options I didn't care for, or a color that I would "settle with."

To me, the anticipation was very exciting, and made me even MORE anxious to get my car! That will give you time to collect as many MINI models and bulldogs and everything. That will give you time to watch the Italian Job 20 times (like I did).

Wait for the manual. NO QUESTION. My 2 cents.

 

Get the manual, you will thank yourself later for it.

with a manual you get to drive the car, not the car drive you.

G'luck with your choice.

 

Thanks everyone, for your thoughtful replies! My post to this site was delayed due to some technical difficulties, and then I was at a conference in Vegas, then away for the weekend, so I was never able to read your feedback, until today.

I went for the automatic...at this point, I have no regrets. I took a serious look at my commute, my family's needs, and how I drive...and I wanted to drive the car competently, and NOW.

Pepper White with a dark blue top...is now my FAVORITE color. Every feature on the car was what I would have ordered anyway. Yes, I do have butt warmers, that was a MUST HAVE.

My baby (who was purchased on Friday, Sept 15th, and is still un-named) took her first trip on Saturday morning to Dewey Beach in Delaware. It was a spectacular, top down weekend I will never forget.

Thank you all...maybe next time, it will be a manual transmission! I can see that there is a preference here. And, yes, it is very sensitive under 20 mph.

Take Care,

Meg

 

Congrats on your purchase! I am envious of your color combo. If I ever need to get another MINI it will be that combo! I purchased mine off the lot as it had all the options I wanted, but not the color I would have ordered! Also, we have the same first name! I wanted a vanity plate that said MINIMEG, but alas, too many letters in Missouri. Have fun!!!!

 

My buds at work want me to get MINIMEG vanity tags...not sure about that, I seem to be having enough notoriety as it is! 7 characters is OK in MD.

 

MINIMEG that's a great plate! I thought Mini's _had_ to have vanity plates, it's it in the owners manual somewhere isn't it?!

Congratulations on your purchase! Glad to hear you got what you wanted.

Please keep us posted as your Mini adventures continue. Post some pictures of your car when you get a chance! It sounds very pretty.